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Midterm polls predict ‘blue surge’: Top pollster breaks down 2026 key races
Are Democrats in for a "blue surge" coming out of the 2026 midterm election? Rutgers-Eagleton pollster Ashley Koning joins Newsroom Live to break down the latest polling data, key battleground races, and the top issues driving voters this Election Day.
NEW YORK CITY - Voters in New York and New Jersey head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3, to decide New York's next governor, a U.S. Senate seat in New Jersey and a closely watched House race in northern New Jersey.
TOPSHOT - People vote at a polling station in Lancaster, New Hampshire, on Election Day, November 5, 2024. (Photo by Joseph Prezioso / AFP) (Photo by JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images)
New York
How to vote: Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday. Mailed early-mail and absentee ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3 and received by Nov. 10. Voters can also drop those ballots off at any poll site in their county or at their local board of elections before 9 p.m.
On the ballot: Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul is seeking a second full term against Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. An Oct. 28 Siena poll showed Hochul with 54% support among likely voters to Blakeman's 40%, and a Marist poll showed Hochul leading by 11 points. Blakeman has disputed the polls, saying turnout is on his side.
What is on the New York ballot this election? Breakdown, races to watch
The governor's race may be on most New Yorkers' minds, but there are several other decisions to make this Election Day. Here's what voters should expect to see on their ballots.
New Jersey
How to vote: Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by 8 p.m. Nov. 3 and received by county boards of elections by Nov. 9. Voters can also use a secure drop box or deliver ballots to their county board of elections by 8 p.m. Election Day, but mailed ballots cannot be returned at polling places.
On the ballot: Democratic U.S. Sen. Cory Booker is seeking a third full term against Republican Justin Murphy, and all 12 of the state's House seats are on the ballot. The marquee House race is in the 7th Congressional District, where Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Kean Jr. is seeking a third term against Democrat Rebecca Bennett.
Why over 1/3 of New Jersey voters now belong to no party
Rising living costs and growing numbers of non-partisan voters are shifting the Mid-Atlantic electorate away from traditional party lines ahead of the midterms.
The Source: Information in this story comes from the New York State Board of Elections, New York Attorney General's Office and New Jersey Division of Elections.