Bronx residents were out in numbers Tuesday to cast their ballots in the pivotal presidential race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
About 500 ballots were cast at Bronx Borough Hall before noon, a much higher turnout than usual, poll workers say. The line at the polling site grew around lunch time and a worker called on voters to start lining up outside.
Meanwhile, at a polling site at P.S. 13 in Longwood, a worker said that it had been busy all day.
Bronx voters are weighing in on key local races and six critical state and local ballot questions, in a push to shape the city’s future and address pressing issues at the local level.
Polling stations are open until 9 p.m., with long lines anticipated throughout the day after over a million early votes were cast citywide. The city’s Board of Elections reassured Bronx voters that anyone in line by closing time would still have the opportunity to vote, emphasizing the importance of participation in this high-stakes election.
In addition to the presidential race, Bronx residents are voting in consequential local elections for seats in the Senate, House, State Senate, State Assembly, and judicial positions. Each race adds urgency to Election Day, as voters weigh policies that will impact the Bronx directly, from housing to public safety to social services.
Amid steady turnout across the borough, some voters expressed deep motivations for casting their ballots.
One voter, a 74-year-old woman who declined to provide her last name, said that she voted for Harris, saying there was a need for change and that she didn’t like Trump.
The woman, who has lived in the Bronx for 40 years and was voting at the borough hall site, also didn’t believe that Trump was the right choice for women. She noted that while he claimed that he would protect women, “I don’t buy that.”
Meanwhile, Emilio Cabrera, 58, who was about to vote, said he remained unsure who to cast his ballot for.
“I’m confused right now” about whether Harris or Trump is better. He said he feels that both candidates have been “losing focus,” arguing and attacking one another.
He expressed concerns about the economy and wars, while also saying that women are often better decision makers and less likely to do irrational things.
Many voters at P.S. 83 backed Harris, although some supported Trump.
Jasmine Chewuli, a Longwood resident and Bronx native, said that Harris is advocating for policies that are important to her. “I like some of the things she is fighting for, like women’s rights.”
Meanwhile, Steve Findley, a retired fire safety director, said he backed Harris. “I think Kamala would do a good job.”
Jean Batista, 30, a Dominican American man who has lived in Morris Park for 3 years, voted for Trump and the Republican candidates.
“Right now, there is war everywhere and we need a strong leader,” he said.
The controversial joke at Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden about Puerto Rico last week didn’t upset him. He noted that the joke was made by a comedian, and he is more concerned with the price of eggs and milk.
“It was nasty, but he was just doing his job [as a comedian],” Batista said. “I don’t care because I know who I am and where I come from.”
Challenges
Voters have encountered some challenges at sites across the city, including issues with ballot scanners in Queens. However, the Board of Elections has been quick to respond, dispatching technicians to ensure every vote is counted.
Gov. Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James have reiterated their commitment to ensuring a safe voting process, with efforts in place to protect against any form of intimidation or misinformation. Bronx voters can find their designated polling stations and information on voting rights at vote.nyc.
