New York voters cast ballots in 2026 gubernatorial election

New York, Nov 3 (KUNA) -- Voters in the U.S. state of New York headed to the polls today, Tuesday, to elect the state governor in an election primarily contested by incumbent Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul and her Republican challenger, Bruce Blakeman. The New York State Board of Elections stated on its official website that polling stations opened across the state at 6:00 a.m. local time and voting will continue until 9:00 p.m. The election follows the close of early voting, which ran from October 24 to November 1, and saw approximately two million voters participate statewide, according to the U.S. news network CBS. The network reported that both candidates concluded their campaign trails yesterday, Tuesday, with a series of public events. Hochul participated in a campaign rally in New York City, while Blakeman held campaign stops on Long Island and in upstate regions before closing his campaign at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan. Hochul is seeking a full second term as governor, while Blakeman, who serves as the executive of Nassau County on Long Island, is running for the Republican Party amid voter focus on cost of living, the economy, immigration, and public safety. Preliminary results are expected to emerge shortly after polls close tonight, with election authorities continuing to count ballots and finalize the certification of the official results. (End) A.S.T. / M.M.J.