Live election updates

Harris: 'This is a time to roll up our sleeves'

Democrat Kamala Harris urged unity in a concession speech at Howard University following her defeat to Republican Donald Trump. The election results prompted foreign leaders and President Joe Biden to congratulate Trump and left Democrats downtrodden after the former president scored victories in swing states.  

“This is not a time to throw up our hands,” said Harris. “This is a time to roll up our sleeves.”

“Only when it is dark enough,” she said, “can you see the stars.”

Harris told supporters gathered at Howard University that she had lost her race against Trump, conceding to the Republican president who is now empowered by a sweeping mandate.

“The outcome of this election is not what we wanted, not what we fought for, not what we voted for,” Harris said. “But hear me when I say, the light of America’s promise will always burn bright, as long as we never give up and as long as we keep fighting.”

Harris had planned to address an audience like this at Howard on election night and had hoped she would have a more upbeat message to deliver. Instead, when Harris took the stage at her alma mater, she looked out at a sea of America flags and notably forlorn faces. She was flanked by 30 American flags.

Trump's victory was felt down ballot, with the GOP reclaiming control of the Senate by flipping seats in Montana, West Virginia and Ohio. House Republicans hold the upper hand to retain control though the lower chamber’s Democratic leaders insist the potential for their majority is still in play.

Read more here.

Democrats win council seats in two East End towns

In a three-way race for a Shelter Island Town council seat, Arnott G. Gooding prevailed with 42% of the vote to give the board a Democratic majority, according to unofficial results from the Suffolk County Board of Elections.

Gooding, 79, will fill the year left on Amber Brach-Williams’ term. Brach-Williams, a Republican, was elected supervisor in 2023.

Gooding, who narrowly lost the supervisor's race last year, defeated Republican Thomas Cronin, who had 36% of the vote. Lisa Shaw, the independent candidate who ran on the Island Action party, finished third with 21% of the vote.

Read more about the race here.

GOP retains Hempstead council seat

Republican Chris Schneider defeated Democrat Kevan Abrahams on Tuesday to succeed the late Christopher Carini, according to unofficial Nassau County Board of Elections returns.

Schneider was leading Abrahams by a margin of 56.2% to 43.8%, according to unofficial board of elections results.

Carini, 49, died unexpectedly in July while visiting family in Florida. The Republican was first elected to the town board in 2019.

Read more about the race here.

Harris calls Trump to concede, will speak this afternoon

WASHINGTON — Vice President Kamala Harris called President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday to congratulate him on his election victory, a senior Harris aide said.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the call.

The aide said Harris discussed the importance of a peaceful transfer of power with Trump ahead of her planned concession speech Wednesday afternoon.

Vice President Kamala Harris will deliver a concession speech Wednesday at 4 p.m., her office announced.

Harris will speak at Howard University, her alma mater in Washington, where her supporters watched returns Tuesday night before being sent home after midnight as President-elect Donald Trump pulled ahead in battleground state results.

AP Race Call: Donald Trump wins Michigan

Former President Donald Trump won Michigan on Wednesday, reclaiming the battleground state and its 15 electoral votes for the Republicans after Joe Biden flipped it in 2020 on his way to the White House. Trump won Michigan in 2016 by just over 10,000 votes, marking the first time a Republican presidential candidate had secured the state in nearly three decades. Trump's Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, faced concerns that discontent among Democrats in metro Detroit over the Biden administration's handling of the Israel-Hamas war could jeopardize her campaign.

Stocks and bitcoin jump after Trump's victory

NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. stock market, Elon Musk’s Tesla, banks and bitcoin are all storming higher Wednesday as investors bet on what Donald Trump’s return to the White House will mean for the economy and world. Among the losers the market sees: solar-power companies and potentially anyone worried about higher inflation.

The S&P 500 was jumping by 2.2% in afternoon trading and on track to top its all-time high set last month. The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 1,382 points, or 3.3%, as of 12:59 p.m. Eastern time, while the Nasdaq composite was 2.5% higher.

The U.S. stock market has historically tended to rise regardless of which party wins the White House, with Democrats scoring bigger average gains since 1945. But Republican control could mean big shifts in the winners and losers underneath the surface, and investors are adding to bets built earlier on what the higher tariffs, lower tax rates and lighter regulation that Trump favors will mean.

Two East End towns OK propositions

Voters in two East End towns approved separate propositions paving the way for traffic-calming measures at a busy East Hampton intersection and removal of toxins from Lake Agawam in Southampton.

Voters in Southampton Town overwhelmingly approved the proposition to allow Southampton Village to install a water filtration system on a parcel of preserved land. The proposition received approval with 64% of the vote, according to unofficial results from the Suffolk County Board of Elections.

In East Hampton Town, voters approved with just under 57% of the vote a land deal giving Suffolk County the ability to build a roundabout at the intersection of two county roads.

Read more about the propositions.

Futures markets climbing in response to Trump's election

Futures markets in the U.S. surged early Wednesday, with the Dow climbing 2.85% and the S&P 500 rising nearly 2%.

Bitcoin, which many see as a winner under a Trump presidency, hit all-time highs above $75,000.

Tesla, the company run by Trump surrogate Elon Musk, spiked 12% before the opening bell while other electric vehicle makers slumped.

Banking stocks also moved solidly higher, with expectations of a pullback by regulators overseeing markets under Trump.

Read more about the surge in stocks, bond yields and bitcoin.

Trump's plans for a second administration

Donald Trump has promised sweeping action in a second administration.

The former president and now president-elect often skipped over details but through more than a year of policy pronouncements and written statements outlined a wide-ranging agenda that blends traditional conservative approaches to taxes, regulation and cultural issues with a more populist bent on trade and a shift in America’s international role.

Trump’s agenda also would scale back federal government efforts on civil rights and expand presidential powers.

Read more about Trump's proposed policies.

LIRR commuters react: Some shocked, others not surprised by results

People coming off the Long Island Railroad at Penn Station Wednesday morning offered a mix of emotions on the election results. Some walked off with long faces, chatting about the races. Others chatted with friends gleefully.

“I thought it was expected,” Joseph Plunkett, of Mineola, said. “I wasn’t surprised.”

On the congressional side, Plunkett expected tight races. By 7:30 a.m. the results of the 4th Congressional District remained in flux.

“I’m happy with the results,” James Doyle, of East Meadow, said. “Either way, I’m a working man and I’ll get up what I need to do the next day.”

Doyle said he works in construction and felt the influx of migrants to New York has negatively affected his industry. He expressed concern about how the surge could influence his children’s ability to get work in the future. And Doyle predicted potential impeachment proceedings of Donald Trump that, he felt, could undermine the results of the election.

“Either way, we’re America,” he said. “We’re resilient.”

Open supporters of Vice President Kamala Harris expressed anxiety to speak on the record about their thoughts of the election.

“Shocking, just shocking,” said one woman getting off the train, before moving on to her immediate concern. “I’m late for work.”

Poll worker charged after altercation at LI polling place

A poll worker in Oceanside was arrested on Election Day after an argument with a "constituent" escalated into violence, Nassau police said.

The disturbance happened Tuesday afternoon at a polling station at Oceanside School 3.

That’s where the worker, Mark W. Sebesta, 54, of Baldwin "was involved in a verbal argument and threatened a male constituent, 25," the department wrote in a news release Wednesday.

To read more about the incident, click here.

Trump wins the White House in political comeback rooted in appeals to frustrated voters

Donald Trump was elected the 47th president of the United States on Wednesday, an extraordinary comeback for a former president who refused to accept defeat four years ago, sparked a violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, was convicted of felony charges and survived two assassination attempts.

With a win in Wisconsin, Trump cleared the 270 electoral votes needed to clinch the presidency.

The victory validates his bare-knuckle approach to politics. He attacked his Democratic rival, Kamala Harris, in deeply personal – often misogynistic and racist – terms as he pushed an apocalyptic picture of a country overrun by violent migrants. The coarse rhetoric, paired with an image of hypermasculinity, resonated with angry voters – particularly men – in a deeply polarized nation.

As president, he’s vowed to pursue an agenda centered on dramatically reshaping the federal government and pursuing retribution against his perceived enemies. Speaking to his supporters Wednesday morning, Trump claimed he had won “an unprecedented and powerful mandate.”

Republicans take Senate majority and eye unified power with Trump

Republicans have taken control of the U.S. Senate and are fighting to keep their majority in the U.S. House, which would produce a full sweep of GOP power in Congress alongside President-elect Donald Trump in the White House.

A unified Republican grip on Washington would set the course for Trump's agenda. Or if Democrats wrest control of the House, it would provide an almost certain backstop, with veto power over the White House.

Trump, speaking early Wednesday at his election night party in Florida, said the results delivered an “unprecedented and powerful mandate” for Republicans.

He called the Senate rout “incredible.” And he praised House Speaker Mike Johnson, who dashed from his own party in Louisiana to join Trump. “He's doing a terrific job,” Trump said.

Vote counting in some races could go on for days, and control of the House is too early to call.

Why AP called Wisconsin and the White House for Donald Trump

The Associated Press declared that Republican Donald Trump won Wisconsin — and with it, a return to the White House — once it determined that remaining uncounted votes mostly from the greater Milwaukee area would not be enough to allow Vice President Kamala Harris to overtake Trump.

In the hours leading up to the AP’s race call in Wisconsin, a sizable amount of uncounted ballots remained in Milwaukee and Racine counties, among others. In order to win, Harris would have needed to win the vast majority of these uncounted ballots. That was still possible, considering that Milwaukee County is one of the state’s most reliable Democratic strongholds. As for Racine, although the county generally favors Repbulicans, it historically has reported votes near the end of its count that heavily favored Democrats.

Subsequent vote updates from Racine did heavily favor Harris — but not by enough to allow her to push past Trump, even when factoring in additional uncounted Milwaukee County votes that would have benefited the vice president.

In addition to Racine, Trump was also comfortably ahead in the other southeastern counties that form the state's most solid Republican stronghold. This region includes the so-called “WOW” counties but does not include Milwaukee County itself. Trump also had a large lead in northeastern Wisconsin, including in Brown County, home to Green Bay. He also established decisive leads in the Republican-voting counties surrounding Brown.

Harris was trailing Biden's 2020 performance across the board in every geographic region. She was also trailing Biden across the state’s political spectrum, from areas that voted the most heavily for Trump in 2020 to those that voted most heavily for Biden.

Trump says he will be 47th president as swing states still count votes 

Former President Donald Trump, who holds a commanding lead over his Democratic challenger Vice President Kamala Harris, claimed victory as supporters chanted "USA."

"This was a movement like nobody's seen before," Trump, flanked by supporters and family, said at his Mar-a-Lago resort just before 2:30 a.m. "We're going to help our country heal." 

Trump also told supporters he will fight "for your family and your future." He also thanked vice presidential nominee JD Vance, whom Trump called a "good choice." 

Trump praised the "MAGA movement" for helping Republicans take back the Senate. 

Despite Trump claiming victory, swing states continue to count votes, with the Associated Press still not projecting a winner for the White House. Swing states, including Georgia and Pennsylvania, have already called it for Trump, according to the Associated Press. 

"We're gonna turn our country around," said Trump, who spoke for about 25 minutes without mentioning Harris' name. 

With Associated Press

AP: Donald Trump wins Pennsylvania

Former President Donald Trump won Pennsylvania on Wednesday, defeating Democrat Kamala Harris in the critical battleground state.

Both candidates campaigned vigorously in the state, visiting it more often than any other. T

rump won Pennsylvania's 19 electoral votes four years after Democrat Joe Biden carried the state, flipping it from Trump's column in 2016 on his way to capturing the "blue wall."

No Democrat has won the White House without also winning Pennsylvania since 1948.

Harris won't speak at evening gathering at Howard University

WASHINGTON — Harris-Walz Campaign Co-Chairman Cedric Richmond took the stage at 12:43 a.m. and said Harris would not speak tonight, but would return to Howard University to address the nation later Wednesday. 

“Thank you for believing in the promise of America,” Richmond said.

The crowd at the Harris-Walz campaign event had dramatically thinned out as the night dragged past midnight and results showing Harris behind former President Donald Trump.

Trump flips Georgia and moves closer to reclaiming the White House

Donald Trump has won the battleground state of Georgia, the onetime Republican stronghold that had voted for Democrats four years ago. With his win in North Carolina, Trump narrowed Kamala Harris’ pathways to victory and expanded his routes to reaching the 270 electoral votes needed to become the next president.

Siela Bynoe to become first Black woman on LI to serve in state Senate

Democratic Legis. Siela Bynoe, was victorious in her bid Tuesday to become Long Island’s first Black woman to serve in the state Senate.

Bynoe, 57, of Westbury, who has served in the GOP-controlled Nassau County Legislature for 10 years, beat Thomas Montefinise, 32, of Oceanside, a deputy county attorney in the Municipal Transaction Bureau in the Office of the Nassau County Attorney.

Bynoe thanked her supporters, her family and Democratic leaders including Jay Jacobs, Robert Troiano and the leaders of the state Senate.

"This campaign started out as a people power campaign, addressing the issues," Bynoe said. "I look forward to representing each and every one of you in the New York State Senate in 2025. People, there's more to be done. Together we will move this county forward," Bynoe said. -- Robert Brodsky and Candice Ferrette

Suozzi says he 'will work' with anyone occupying the White House 

With Vice President Kamala Harris trailing former President Donald Trump in the race for the White House, Rep. Tom Suozzi said his goal would remain the same: work with anyone occupying the White House. 

"Obviously, I supported Vice President [Kamala] Harris, but whoever the next president of the United States is I will work with anybody. I'll work with President Harris, I'll work with President Trump. I will work with progressives, I'll work with moderates. If they genuinely want to solve problems and make the world a better place to live."

As of 12:45 a.m., Harris is behind Trump, separated by 20 electoral votes. North Carolina has been the only swing state to call it for Trump so far. 

Suozzi grateful for 'life choices' as he's declared winner in race for 3rd Congressional District

Speaking to supporters, Rep. Tom Suozzi said he had his "life choices" to make after being declared the winner over Republican challenger Mike LiPetri. 

“I am so happy with the life choices I have made because I have had the opportunity to do what I have always dreamed of doing,” Suozzi said. 

Supporters of the Nassau Democrats cheered and hugged on the dance floor of the ballroom at the Garden City Hotel as they celebrated wins for Suozzi and 4th Congressional District Democratic challenger Laura Gillen. They also celebrated elected county Legis. Siela Bynoe's (D-Westbury) victory to the state Senate, making her Long Island's first Black woman to ever hold the distinction.

Republicans take Senate majority for first time in 4 years

Republicans have taken the Senate majority for first time in four years.

The unexpected battleground of Nebraska pushed Republicans over the top late Tuesday. Sen. Deb Fischer brushed back a challenge from independent newcomer Dan Osborn. That came after Republican Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas defeated Democrat Colin Allred. Democratic efforts to salvage their Senate majority slipped further out of reach with Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown in Ohio lost his reelection to Republican Bernie Moreno.

Early on, Republicans picked up the seat in West Virginia. House races are in a state-by-state slog. The control of Congress is at stake this first presidential election after the Jan. 6 2021 Capitol attack.

Gillen speaks to crowd as she declares victory over D'Esposito, who hasn't conceded 

Nassau County Chairman Jay Jacobs and Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Glen Cove) introduced Laura Gillen just before midnight Tuesday. A loud crowd got louder when Suozzi said "your new Congresswoman Laura GIllen"

Gillen took the stage with her husband, Chris, and three of her four children.

"Thank you so much for making this night for me and Tom," Gillen said, referring to Suozzi who was reelected to represent the 3rd Congressional District. "It's time to turn a new page. It's time to get Congress to work for all of us," GIllen said.

She vowed to work with lawmakers of all political affiliations and to represent all residents of the 4th Congressional district.

Her win brings the south Nassau district back into Democratic hands after defeating one-term Rep. Anthony D'Esposito (R-Island Park). But D'Esposito has not conceded in the race. 

Supporters thin out at Suffolk Democratic Party election night gathering following concession speeches

The Suffolk County Democratic watch party in Holtsville began clearing out at about 11:30 p.m. shortly after concession and victory speeches were delivered.

Islip Town Democratic Chairwoman Leigh-Ann Barde, pictured here with Suffolk Legis. Sam Gonzalez (D-Brentwood), was somber as she embraced her fellow Democrats and reflected on the evening.

“I wanted better for Suffolk County, but we’ll get there,” she said. “I think we need to go back to fundamentals and look at how we won in the past. I think we need to get our messaging out better.”

She noted that down ballot candidates benefitted from having Trump at the top of the ticket. She lamented the division of today’s politics and the local political climate for Suffolk Democrats.

“A lot of Democrats feel like they are alone because of the [Trump] flags and the signs and the obnoxiousness,” she said. “A lot of them are scared of their neighbors, and that's a really sad way to live.”

Assembly candidate Durso thanks supporters

NY State Assembly District 9 candidate Michael Durso thanks his supporters.

NY State Assembly District 9 Candidate Michael Durso thanks his supporters.

Video credit: Arianna Fisher pic.twitter.com/1UpCGa9jxa

— Newsday (@Newsday) November 6, 2024

NY Party Chair declares victory for Laura Gillen in 4th Congressional District race despite Anthony D'Esposito not conceding

New York State and Nassau County Democrat Party Chair Jay Jacobs declared victory for Rep. Tom Suozzi for the 3rd Congressional District and Democratic challenger Laura Gillen, who's vying for the 4th Congressional District seat. But Gillen's opponent, Republican Rep. Anthony D'Esposito, has not conceded defeat. 

“We are comfortable with the margins we have that we have elected two Democrats to Congress,” Jacobs said. 

AP: Kamala Harris wins Virginia

Vice President Kamala Harris won Virginia on Tuesday, adding 13 electoral votes to her tally. Harris’ victory marks the third time Donald Trump has lost the Old Dominion state. The Democratic nominee for president has won Virginia in every election since 2008.

Mood grim at Harris-Walz election night party as returns keep pouring in 

WASHINGTON — At the Harris-Walz election night event, the once festive mood of music and dancing turned more serious as the night progressed.

The music was turned off so that crowd goers can follow updates from CNN being played on a series of large screen televisions.

A number of prominent Democrats started to trickle in to the event, including Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-California), the former House Speaker, and the mayor of the District of Columbia Muriel Bowser. Pelosi, arriving shortly after 11:30p.m. did not answer questions about the state of the race.

Kameron Outland, a student at Howard University, Harris’ alma mater and the site of the campaign’s main event, said he remained optimistic about her chances, but also typed a poem in his phone to capture some of his nervousness as North Carolina was called for Trump

“Still fighting for the hope of change,” Outland said, reading his poem aloud. “As the race closes in, my heart stalls in suspense.”

John Avlon and Rob Lubin concede before supporters in Suffolk County

Suffolk County Democratic Congressional candidates John Avlon and Rob Lubin appeared before supporters at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union hall in Holtsville at about 11:15 p.m. to concede in their respective races. Suffolk County Democratic Chairman Rich Schaffer (at podium) said of Avlon that there is a “future for him in Suffolk County.”

Avlon sought to unseat Republican U.S. Rep. Nick LaLota in the 1st Congressional District and Lubin challenged U.S. Rep. Andrew Garbarino in the Second Congressional District.

“It's a hard night in Suffolk County for us Democrats. It's a hard night for many Democrats in our country, but the fight continues,” Avlon told supporters.

Lubin congratulated his Republican opponent, Rep. Andrew Garbarino, telling the crowd "he's got the best interest of the district at heart I and I look forward to working with him.”

“I am so honored to have had the opportunity to represent my home in a way that I never thought possible,” Lubin told the crowd. 

State Sen. Monica Martinez and Assemb. Phil Ramos, both of Brentwood, were re-elected and also thanked supporters.

Trump wins North Carolina, narrowing Harris' path to victory

Donald Trump has won the battleground state of North Carolina. He fended off a challenge from Kamala Harris, who was looking to flip the state and expand her pathways to 270 electoral votes.

Trump had made stops to the state in each of the last three full days of the campaign. He won North Carolina in both 2016 and 2020 by close margins.

Harris campaign chair Jen O’Malley Dillon told staff in a memo that the “blue wall” of Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin was now the Democrat’s “clearest path” to victory.

Democrats might lose supermajority in state Senate 

Democrats had a lead of 41 out of the 63 State Senate seats, two hours after polls in New York closed. The party is on track to maintain the majority but would fall one seat short of a supermajority.

Several races remained close, and Republicans appear to have picked up at least one seat, with a lead in the highly contested 17th Senate District in Brooklyn.

Assembly Democrats similarly had a lead, with 105 of the 150 seats, including in the 96th District representing Rockland County, and the 85th District representing the Bronx, both of which were vacant.

Assembly Democrats late Tuesday night were on track to maintain their supermajority.

The supermajority gives the State Legislature more bargaining power and the ability to override gubernatorial vetoes.

Voter explains decision to support Suozzi

Democratic watch party attendee Kausar Mumim on why he supports 3rd Congressional District candidate Tom Suozzi.

Democratic watch party attendee Kausar Mumim on why he supports 3rd Congressional District candidate Tom Suozzi.

Video Credit: Arianna Fisher pic.twitter.com/Mqz663yHMQ

— Newsday (@Newsday) November 6, 2024

NY GOP Chair heaps praise on Sapraicone after losing to Gillibrand

NYGOP Chair Ed Cox praised Mike Sapraicone, a former NYPD officer and formerly owner of an international security firm, for running against New York Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand in a longshot race.

"While we did not secure the outcome we hoped for, I want to extend my deepest congratulations to Mike Sapraicone on a campaign well fought. Mike stepped up at a critical time for our state and ran with determination, passion, and a deep love for the people of New York. His commitment to public service and to the values we share as Republicans — law and order, fiscal responsibility, and common-sense leadership—was clear every step of the way, Cox said in a statement.

"Though this race has ended, Mike’s voice will continue to be an important one in the fight for a safer, stronger New York. I know that he will remain a steadfast advocate for our values, and I am proud of all that he and his dedicated team accomplished in this campaign," Cox said.

Rep. Nick LaLota 'fired up' as he declares victory

Nick LaLota, before delivering remarks before supporters at Stereo Garden, says he's "fired up" as he declares victory. Early returns show LaLota ahead of John Avlon, the former CNN analyst running on the Democratic ticket. 

“I'm only here because of everything you’ve done,” LaLota said, thanking supporters and family. “You placed your trust in me and I’m going to take another oath of office in a just couple of weeks back in Washington, DC so I can continue to fight for you in Washington.”

Nick LaLota beats John Avlon in race for 1st Congressional District

Republican U.S. Rep. Nick LaLota defeated Democratic challenger John Avlon in the race for New York’s 1st Congressional District, according to unofficial results.

The candidates spent months campaigning with focus on issues like affordability, border security and abortion.

Avlon had the fundraising edge bringing in $4,696,256.96 to LaLota’s $1,036,817.72

LaLota is expected to speak from the Suffolk County GOP’s Election Night party at Stereo Garden in Patchogue.

Andrew Garbarino defeats Rob Lubin in race for 2nd Congressional District

Incumbent Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-Bayport) defeated Democrat Rob Lubin in the race for New York’s 2nd Congressional District, in unofficial returns.

Garbarino, first elected in 2020, will enter his third term representing the district that spans most of Suffolk’s south shore and a small portion of southeast Nassau County. The race pitted Garbarino, a veteran lawmaker, who also served in the State Assembly, against Lubin, a political newcomer, who billed himself as a small business owner from Lindenhurst.

Garbarino was slated to speak at the Suffolk GOP’s Election Night party at Stereo Garden in Patchogue.

Pat Ryan wins 18th Congressional District seat in key for Democrats 

Democrat Pat Ryan wins reelection to U.S. House in New York's 18th Congressional District, according to the Associated Press. Ryan defeated Republican Alison D'Esposito in a closely watched race that'll determine the balance of power in the House. 

With Newsday Staff

Key Senate, Assembly races contested in Suffolk County

Incumbent Republican senators held leads in early returns Tuesday night in contested state races in Suffolk.

Sen. Anthony Palumbo (R-New Suffolk) held a narrow edge over Democrat Sarah Anker from Mount Sinai in the 1st District, while in the 2nd District Sen. Mario Mattera (R-St. James) led Democrat Craig Hershkowitz of Northport.

In the Assembly, the 1st and 11th district seats were open because incumbents didn't seek reelection, while Assemb. Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson) who was disbarred as an attorney this fall, faced Democrat Rebecca Kassay in the 4th District. Kassay and Flood were neck-and-neck Tuesday night.

The 1st District Assembly seat was set to undergo a major change with the exit of Assemb. Fred Thiele (D-Sag Harbor), who is retiring after 29 years. Democrat Thomas Schiavoni, a retired teacher from Southampton, defeated held a lead over Republican Stephen Kiely of Mattituck, according to unofficial returns.

For more, click here. 

No surprises as polls close. Eyes now turn to Eastern battlegrounds

There has been little surprise in results so far with polls across most of the country having closed.

Trump won Republican-leaning states including Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Texas, while Harris won a swath of New England and the Northeast including New Jersey and New York.

Meanwhile, attention is gravitating toward the Eastern battleground states of Georgia, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.

Peter King: Anthony D'Esposito in 'good spirits' as 4th Congressional District tallies come in

Former Rep. Pete King said Rep. Anthony D’Esposito of the 4th Congressional District was “in good spirits” as they awaited returns.

Still, King said he expected it to be a long night.

“Right now, all our indicators are good. It's gonna be a long night. It’s a tight race, but right now, we feel good and just talking with him, he feels good,” King said. “But again, no one's claiming victory, but we really are in the fight, and I put my money on it, just the approach we're seeing in certain areas coming extremely strong for him. It's not complicated to figure out now because of the urban voting and the absentee voting especially in some of the areas where he is doing very good.”

King said he hoped to have a result in the race tonight.

Suffolk voters approve Proposition 2

Suffolk County residents Tuesday approved a sales tax hike next year for a project aimed at making water cleaner and upgrading sewer systems.

Early results from the Suffolk County Board of Elections after the polls closed showed broad support for the measure, Proposal 2, with 72% in the 1,039 districts. Thirty one districts had yet to report results late Tuesday.

The proposal asked voters to raise sales taxes by an eighth of a percent to inject funding to the Water Quality Restoration Fund, which would remove nitrogen from ground and surface waters.

Revenues will be split between public sewer expansions and grants to help homeowners ditch their aging cesspools for more environmentally-friendly septic systems that remove nitrogen from wastewater before it leaches into the water supply, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Check out more here. 

John Avlon arrives at election night party; stays optimistic as votes stream in for 1st Congressional District race

Democratic congressional candidate for the 1st Congressional District John Avlon entered the Suffolk County Democratic Election Night watch party in Holtsville shortly after 9:30 p.m. Avlon, who is trying to unseat first-term Republican Rep. Nick LaLota, said he felt good about his chances before any results had been reported.

“The best place to be in an election like 2024 is a purple district in a blue state,” he said. “I think we’re going to be surprised at the crossover vote.”

A winner has yet to be called for that race. 

Supporters across political spectrum await results at LI's election night parties 

Janet Goldstein of East Meadow, a local leader for Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America was among those in the crowd at the Nassau Democrats' watch party.

She said the entire slate gained the group's endorsement after proving either "through experience or promise" that they would govern with good gun sense in mind.

Goldstein said of Laura Gillen "when she was at the local level, she was always governing with gun sense in mind and will look out for the children in our community as well as the adults in our community."

Steve Hayduk, 74, and his wife, Kathleen Hayduk, 68, both of Centereach, voted 10 days again for the Republican slate of candidates and were first in-line and through the door just ahead of 9 p.m. Tuesday.

“I came out here because I’m very excited to see the victory of the Republicans and particularly of President Trump,” he said, speaking from Stereo Garden where the GOP is holding its election night party.

Sonny and Cher’s “The Beat Goes On” blared as dozens of supporters began filing in. The bass of Dua Lipa’s “Love Again” reverberated from speakers either side of a screen projecting a waving American Flag. Another screen playing News 12 went ignored as casually dressed supporters and smartly dressed elected officials shook hands or swarmed the bar.

Gillen leads over D'Esposito for 4th Congressional District seat 

Crowds are filling in at the Nassau County GOP party in Baldwin. Supporters were joined by Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin, former Councilman Ed Ambrosino and Nassau County Presiding Officer Legis. Howard Kopel.

While there were murmurs of Trump securing several states, there was little discussion about early numbers showing Laura Gillen with a 10,000 vote lead, with 5% of the vote reporting.

There are no TVs in the ballroom showing any election results, either locally or nationally.

New York voters approve constitutional amendment protecting abortion

New York voters on Tuesday approved an amendment to expand the state constitution’s anti-discrimination language in a way that supporters say would protect the civil rights of people who are seeking or have had abortions.

The Equal Rights Amendment bans discrimination based on someone’s ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes or “reproductive healthcare and autonomy.”

The constitution already barred discrimination based on race, creed or religion. Opponents argued that the amendment might give transgender athletes the constitutional right to play on girls and women’s sports teams.

Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine praises early voting turnout as GOP parties on election night

At around 9:20 p.m. Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine arrived and said the level of early voting prior to Tuesday was “great.”

“We had over 300,000 people in this county, Suffolk County, vote early,” Romaine said. “Whatever happens, the people have spoken.”

“We’re very hopeful that turnout is being motivated because of high inflation, broken borders, the economy jobs in a whole host of other things,” he added.

In his usual calm, Romaine said Republicans are “going to win two congressional seats,” referring to Reps. Nick LaLota and Andrew Garbarino’s races. He said Rep. Tom Suozzi has “the edge” in his race as an incumbent, while he remains uncertain about the state Senate race between Tony Palumbo and Sarah Anker.

Gov. Kathy Hochul cheers Kirsten Gillibrand at election night party 

The minute New York's polls closed, Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand was declared the winner of her full-third term over Republican first-time candidate Mike Sapraicone. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who previously served in Congress, introduced Gillibrand to a room full of her supporters at the Hotel Chelsea in New York City.

"Today's result makes it absolutely clear that New Yorkers believe in leadership that puts people over politics," Gillibrand said to cheers. "We believe in fundamental New York values, such as caring about our neighbors and treating others with kindness, decency and respect."

After serving for 15 years in the Senate, Gillibrand talked about her priorities but also warned that it takes time to create change through legislation.

"I know from the lived experience that sometimes you can't get it all done at once. You've got to make meaningful, small steps in the right direction, and over years, you will make a difference, and you will help those you are trying to help. That is the spirit we have to take back to Washington," she said.

Kamala Harris wins New York, AP projects

Vice President Kamala Harris won New York in her race for the White House, the Associated Press reports. 

After New York was called for Harris, shortly after 9:30pm, the crowd at the Harris-Walz election night party at Howard University erupted into loud cheers.

Nassau GOP chair confident in outcome as results come in 

Nassau GOP Chairman Joseph Cairo expressed confidence as polls were closing.

“We feel good, we feel confident. We put everything into it. We left everything on the field,” Cairo said. He said the party had large turnout during early voting and absentee ballots.

He said Republicans felt that blank voters who came out in record numbers were going to break with their party.

“We feel from the campaign and the feedback we got, the many Democrats who are fed up with their party going so far to the left, the progressives that they're going to be with us,” Cairo said.

Cairo said despite being overly matched by about 70,000 registered Democrats in Nassau County, he felt Rep. Anthony D’Esposito would be able to repeat as incumbent, bolstered by support in the Five Towns.“We feel we're going to get a good number of Democrats crossing over on the ballot that they're going to be with us, as well as the unaffiliated voters and, of course, the Republicans,” Cairo said.

Kirsten Gillibrand wins re-election over Mike Sapraicone for U.S. Senate

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) handily won re-election Tuesday by defeating little-known and first-time Republican congressional candidate Mike Sapraicone of North Hills, the Associated Press declared shortly after the polls closed at 9 p.m. Tuesday.

Gillibrand stressed her legislative accomplishments during her 14 years in the Sente as she sought a third term.

Her successes include the Stock Act requiring lawmakers to disclose stock transactions, funding for the World Trade Center Health Program for 9/11 first responders, health care for veterans exposed to burn pits and making gun trafficking a federal crime

Sapraicone made his campaign largely about border security, arguing that the border should be closed and that criminal immigrants in the U.S. without authorization be deported. Gillibrand backs the Senate bipartisan immigration bill that Republicans blocked.

Gillibrand crushed Sapraicone in the fundraising race. She raised $15.6 million to his $1.1 million, adding to her already abundant campaign funds. She spent $24.5 million, which includes $9.6 million to help other Democratic candidates. Sapraicone spent nearly $930,000 on his campaign.

Gillibrand is holding her Election Night party at the historic landmark Hotel Chelsea in New York City, the one-time home to many writers, artists and musicians.

Gov. Kathy Hochul will join Gillibrand's election party, where both will talk about the coordinated campaign that they ran in conjunction with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-Brooklyn) to help Democratic candidates in New York's seven pivotal House districts, three of them on Long Island.

Gillibrand is expected to speak shortly.

Polls officially close across Long Island 

Polls have officially closed across Long Island, though anyone who arrived at their assigned poll site before 9 p.m. can still cast their ballot even if polls are closed. NewsdayTV is now live with election coverage and analysis. 

Over 500,000 Long Islanders cast their ballots during early voting, which ran from Oct. 26 through Nov. 3. Long lines were the result of such turnout, with voters sometimes waiting hours to cast a vote.

Nassau and Suffolk County residents are voting on a number of races and propositions that are on the ballot this year.As of 6 p.m. 120,875 Republicans had voted at the polls on Election Day, compared to 107,185 Democrats.

A total of 347,886 people had voted Tuesday, a number that also includes unaffiliated voters and members of other parties.

In total, including early voting etc., 637,312 Suffolk County residents had voted. That includes 231,268 Republicans and 203,149 Democrats.

There are 1,086,373 registered voters in Suffolk. In Nassau County, Democrats are out-voting Republicans. 

Results so far show former President Donald Trump with a lead over Vice President Kamala Harris. 

Blakeman: Congressional race outcomes come down to turnout 

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said key congressional races would come down to turnout, which he had warned about earlier in the day.

“Well, this is a turnout election. Obviously, it's very close, so whichever side gets the turnout, the greater percentage of their voters is going to win this election,” Blakeman said. “So what I'm seeing so far makes me cautiously optimistic. I think we're doing very well with the turnout, we did very well with the early voting. The factors that I would say right now are going to determine the race, are the independent voters, the blank voters, which way are they going to come down, and what percentage?”

Blakeman said early polling days showed Anthony D’Esposito has done well with independent voters, and he's doing better than during the last election with Black voters and Hispanics.

“So we are cautiously optimistic. But again, it's about who turns out and who votes in which way they vote,” Blakeman said.

Blakeman responded to Jay Jacobs reaching out to moderate voters, and said if it comes down to moderates Democrats, “we win this hands down,” Blakeman said. “I call them, common sense Democrats, the Democrats that supported John F. Kennedy, they are going to vote our way because they feel that their party has gone too far to the left.”

'Democracy is important': Suffolk GOP chair wants to ensure a 'right count' 

When asked about the long night, and potentially several days until a winner is counted, Suffolk County GOP Chairperson Jesse Garcia said “it doesn’t matter” when victors are declared.

“Democracy is important, as long as the votes are counted properly, it doesn't matter how long they take,” Garcia said. “I think that's what the American people, and I know New Yorkers want, Suffolk County residents want. To make sure we get the right count and that's why it's important that we stick together. Wait for the results to come out.”

Garcia said his party is performing competitively in an effort to flip the Assembly.

“We are certainly competitive in each and every race,” Garcia said. “We have not left the Democrats any room. We are forcing them to defend home turf. We're forcing them to defend seats that they've held for sometimes decades and you know they're gonna have to expend their resources. They're gonna have to explain their policies.”

How to watch NewsdayTV for live results when polls close

NewsdayTV will bring you live election coverage tonight starting at 9, including:

• Predictions and real-time results featuring our interactive touchscreen map
• Live reports from GOP and Democratic headquarters in Nassau and Suffolk
• Complete analysis from Newsday's political team
• Live news from D.C. and Albany

Watch our Election Night coverage on your big-screen TV from a smart streaming device, including on Roku, Apple TV, Samsung Smart TV, YouTube and Fire TV.

Or you can always stream on your desktop or mobile device by visiting newsday.com/tv or downloading the Newsday app.

More ways to get live results from Newsday

• Track results using our interactive Voters Guide.
• Follow Newsday on Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok. And join our WhatsApp channel.
• Sign-up for mobile app, email and text alerts.

Get all of your election news

• Up-to-the minute coverage at Newsday.com.
• The latest version of the newspaper at Newsday.com/eedition.

Democratic supporters begin arriving at election night party at Garden City Hotel

Nassau County Legis. Seth Koslow (D-Merrick) was among the first few party loyalists to trickle into the Garden City Hotel, saying he was "looking forward to some big wins" tonight. "There's a lot of buzz in the room already and it's just starting to fill up."

He said that local Democrats have been getting out and talking to constituents "and letting them know it's important for them to get out there."

Koslow: "We have the numbers. We have the right ideas and it's really a matter of people understanding that if they don't vote, we don't get the offices we should."

Nassau Democrats edge GOP in turnout so far, according to election board 

In Nassau, 667,049 votes were cast early and on Election Day — 225,927 Democrats, 224,061 Republicans and the balance otherwise, the Democratic elections commissioner of the county said about an hour before polls closed.

Crowds arrive for Harris' election night party at Howard University 

WASHINGTON — An energetic crowd has started to fill-up Howard University’s “yard” for the Harris-Walz Election Night event.

The crowd erupted in cheers when a CNN broadcast delivered early results showing Vice President Kamala Harris leading in North Carolina and Ohio.

Harris chose Howard, her alma mater as the site for her election nite event, telling reporters on the campaign trail earlier that it represented a “full circle” moment.

Those on hand, many dancing to the music on hand, expressed optimism about a Harris victory.

“In the lead up I was feeling a little nervous, but today I’m feeling good,” said Nicole Garner of Washington who brought her daughter Anna, a third grader to the event.

Nassau GOP arrives at Coral House for election night party 

Nassau County GOP officials were still awaiting partygoers to arrive at Butch Yamali’s Coral House in Baldwin where a large inflatable elephant was stood out front next to a vehicle for Rep. Anthony D’Esposito.

The media was awaiting candidates and party leaders to arrive closer to polls closing.

Slow rock played, while officials awaited a potential festive atmosphere.

The room was marked with balloons and Sabrett hot dog carts, but none of the mounted televisions were showing any election results.

Trump wins Florida, AP projects

Donald Trump won Florida on Tuesday for the third consecutive election, earning the state's 30 electoral votes.

Once a crucial battleground state, Florida has been drifting toward the Republican Party in recent years.

A Democratic presidential nominee has not won the state since Barack Obama carried it in 2012. Meanwhile, Trump grew his margin of victory in his adopted home state between 2016 and 2020.

New York State party chair feels 'very confident' on outcome of 4th Congressional District race 

State and Nassau County Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs stepped into the ballroom at the Garden City Hotel about 7:30 p.m. and spoke to reporters as staff were still setting tables and putting out silver coffee urns. He said he felt "very confident" particularly in the party's ability to flip the Fourth Congressional seat.

"The votes are coming in — people can still go out and vote — but I can tell you that we are feeling very good about the number of Democrats," Jacobs said. "We are looking very good in CD4, Laura Gillen, and I think Tom Suozzi is going to do very well. We got some state senate seats in play that we didn't know were necessarily going to be in play, so we feel good about it. And I think the same is happening all over New York State."

Problems at the polls? Helplines are available 

With just one hour left to vote in New York, law enforcement wants to remind voters across the state to report any instances of voter intimidation, inaccessible voting site or anything that impedes your ability to vote.

New York Attorney General Letitia James has activated her office’s hotline – 866-390-2992 – through 9 p.m. In a statement last week.

Voters can also submit a complaint online by going click here.

U.S. Attorneys Damian Williams and Breon Peace have similar help lines. Registered voters in Nassau can call 516-571-8683 while those in Suffolk can call 631-852-4500. Anyone can also call the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division at 800-253-3931. Voters can also file a complaint by clicking here.

U.S. Senate control deadlocked

Democrats’ hope of keeping control of the Senate is hanging by a thread after the seat flipped in West Virginia.

To win control of the chamber, Republicans need to pick up a seat in any one of several battleground states, including Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Montana or Nevada.

Democrats’ best chance at flipping a seat back in their favor is likely in Texas, where Democrat Colin Allred, a current House member, is challenging Sen. Ted Cruz.

Registered Republicans in Suffolk County voting more than Democrats, election board says 

More Republicans than Democrats have voted today in Suffolk County, according to the most recent numbers from the county Board of Elections.

As of 6 p.m. 120,875 Republicans have voted at the polls on Election Day compared to 107,185 Democrats.

A total of 347,886 people have voted today, a number that also includes unaffiliated voters and members of other parties. In total 637,312 Suffolk County residents have voted. That includes 231,268 Republicans and 203,149 Democrats.

The Associated Press has called winners in elections for more than 170 years. Here's how it's done

One question that will be asked over and over again on election night is “Who won?”

The Associated Press will answer that question for nearly 5,000 contested races across the United States. Just what goes into determining the winners? A careful and thorough analysis of the latest available vote tallies and a variety of other election data.

The ultimate goal is to determine whether there's any circumstance in which the trailing candidate could catch up. If the answer is no, then the leading candidate has won.

Read more about the process here. 

Early results begin trickling in as first poll sites close in Kentucky and Indiana 

Newsday has activated its results tracker on newsday.com as the first polls in Kentucky and Indiana have closed showing former President Donald Trump leading over his Democratic rival Vice President Kamala Harris. You can also view results for races in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate. 

Polls across New York close at 9 p.m. EST. 

Stay with newsday.com as results begin trickling in throughout the night. 

Congressional candidates meet with voters, cast ballots

Candidates running for Congress were seen greeting constituents and at polling places across Long Island Tuesday.

Republican Anthony D’Esposito, who is running for re-election in the 4th Congressional District, cast his ballot at the South Shore Jewish Center in Island Park.

Democrat John Avlon, running in the race for the 1st Congressional District seat, was seen with his family voting in Sag Harbor. He seeks to unseat incumbent Republican Rep. Nicholas LaLota.

Republican Rep. Andrew Garbarino, seeking his third term, met with voters at the Massapequa Diner. He is facing Democrat Rob Lubin in the 2nd Congressional District.

Republican Michael LiPetri, spoke with commuters at the Mineola LIRR station. LiPetri is challenging Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi in the 3rd Congressional District.

Trump snaps at reporter when asked about abortion

Donald Trump is refusing to say how he voted on Florida's abortion measure — and getting testy about it.

The former president was asked twice after casting his ballot in Palm Beach, Florida, on Tuesday about a question that the state's voters are considering. If approved, it would prevent state lawmakers from passing any law that penalizes, prohibits, delays or restricts abortion until fetal viability — which doctors say is sometime after 21 weeks.

If it’s rejected, the state’s restrictive six-week abortion law would stand.

The first time he was asked, Trump avoided answering. He said instead of the issue that he did “a great job bringing it back to the states.” That was a reference to the former president having appointed three conservative justices to the U.S. Supreme Court who helped overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade decision in 2022.

Pressed a second time, Trump snapped at a reporter, saying they "should just stop talking about that.”

Trump had previously indicated that he would back the measure — but then changed his mind and said he would vote against it.

Russia blamed for bomb threats that briefly shut Ga. polling stations

Russia is behind a series of false bomb threats in Georgia and other states that briefly closed polling stations Tuesday, federal and local officials said.

“The FBI is aware of bomb threats to polling locations in several states, many of which appear to originate from Russian email domains,” the agency told The Washington Post. “None of the threats have been determined to be credible thus far.”

There were at least five threats in Georgia alone, all in Democratic-leaning areas, including two in polling places in Fulton County that were down for half an hour and another in nearby Gwinnett County that was down for 30 to 40 minutes, a state official unauthorized to speak publicly said on condition of anonymity. Another threat was aimed at a polling place in Clayton County, which like the other two is in the greater Atlantic area.

Some polling location officials said they were seeking court orders to extend their hours of operation to make up for the disruption.

Officials: More than 491,000 LIers voted so far today  

Long Islanders are casting ballots by the hundreds of thousands Tuesday and officials have reported no major problems as the nation decides the historic race for U.S. president. 

Between 6 a.m., when polls first opened on Long Island, and 4 p.m.,  242,927 voters cast ballots in Nassau County, according to a Nassau elections commissioner, James Scheuerman. Of those who voted today so far, 85,785 were registered as Democrats, 83,367 were Republicans and 63,090 were considered Blanks or affiliated with other parties.

There are 1,009,105 registered voters in Nassau.

Earlier in the day, he said there were lines at some polling sites, but no problems beyond what is typical every election.

By around 3 p.m. in Suffolk, there had been 267,097 votes cast, according to a Suffolk elections commissioner, Betty Manzella. Suffolk did not provide party breakdowns.There are 1,086,373 registered voters in the county.

At the Riverhead Free Library, poll inspector Malcolm Grigg, 69, said there had been a slow but steady stream of voters since they opened at 6 a.m. He said this year’s turnout is the largest he’s seen in the four years he’s been working elections.

“I’ve never seen anything like this,” he said.

More than half a million Long Islanders cast their ballots during the nine-day stretch of early voting in federal, state and local elections, with Nassau and Suffolk among the state's top three active counties, according to election officials.

A total of 574,169 ballots were cast in person during the nine-day stretch of early voting, according to both counties' elections boards. Nassau saw 284,742 voters and Suffolk had 289,427 voters.

More Democrats voted in Nassau; more Republicans voted in Suffolk, according to the figures.

How Trump and Harris are spending Election Day

Donald Trump said Tuesday he was feeling "very confident" as he cast his vote at the Morton and Barbara Mandel Recreation Center in Palm Beach, Florida, near his Mar-a-Lago club. He arrived to the polling site with his wife, Melania.

“It looks like Republicans have shown up in force,” he told reporters, wearing a red “Make America Great Again” cap. He said he had not prepared a speech on the results — win or lose — saying, “I’m not a Democrat. I’m able to make a speech on very short notice.”

He had spent the very early hours of Election Day in Michigan, where he wrapped up a late-night rally in Grand Rapids. The Republican candidate is scheduled to hold a campaign watch party in Palm Beach on Tuesday night.

Harris did phone interviews with radio stations in the battleground states of Pennsylvania, Georgia, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Arizona and Nevada. 

She plans to attend an election night party at Howard University in Washington, a historically Black university where she graduated with a degree in economics and political science in 1986 and was an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.

Aside from Howard, she has no public schedule announced for Election Day.

Harris said Sunday that she had “just filled out” her mail-in ballot and it was “on its way to California.”

See where each candidate stands on the issues that matter to voters.

More LI Congressional candidates cast their votes

More local candidates running for Congressional seats on Long Island arrived Tuesday afternoon to their local polling sites to cast their own ballots and greet constituents.

Democrat Laura Gillen, who is running against Republican incumbent Anthony D'Esposito in the 4th Congressional District, voted at Jennie E. Hewitt Elementary School in Rockville Centre.

Rob Lubin, a Democrat running in the 2nd Congressional District against Republican incumbent Andrew Garbarino, also cast his ballot earlier Tuesday in Lindenhurst.

Election Day voting across the country going mostly smoothly

Election Day voting unfolded largely smoothly across the nation Tuesday but with scattered reports of extreme weather, ballot printing errors and technical problems causing delays.

Most of the hiccups occurring by mid-day were “largely expected routine and planned-for events,” said Cait Conley, senior adviser to the director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, in a press briefing. She said the agency was not currently tracking any national, significant incidents impacting election security.

In swing-state Pennsylvania, early reports that Republican poll watchers were not allowed into some polling sites were soon resolved. A software malfunction was affecting ballot scanning machines in the state's Cambria County, but no one was being turned away from the polls and all ballots would be counted, county and state officials said.

A technical malfunction in Champaign County, Illinois, and challenges with e-pollbooks in Louisville, Kentucky, also delayed voting, but those issues were soon fixed and voting was back up and running.

In Missouri, flooding made one St. Louis area polling site hard to reach and knocked out power to another, requiring poll workers to turn to a generator to continue election operations. Still, in various states affected by rain, voters were enthusiastically huddling under umbrellas as they lined up to cast their ballots.

“We’ll be like post office workers: in rain or snow or sleet,” voter Mary Roszkowski said after she cast her ballot in windy Racine, Wisconsin, wiping raindrops off her face.

In Georgia, Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger said there were some reported bomb threats to polling places, but all were deemed non-credible and authorities were investigating.

Helping voting run relatively smoothly on Election Day was the fact that tens of millions of Americans had already cast their ballots. Those included record numbers of voters in Georgia, North Carolina and other battleground states that could decide the winner.

As of Monday, Associated Press tracking of advance voting nationwide showed roughly 82 million ballots already cast — slightly more than half the total number of votes in the presidential election four years earlier.

A divided LI electorate turns out to vote

The tight presidential race has not only divided the voting electorate across the country and on Long Island, but even some local households.

At Barack Obama Elementary School in Hempstead Tuesday, the steady stream of voters casting their ballots at the polling site around 9 a.m. included Crystal Joseph, 43, of Hempstead, and her husband, Duane Joseph, 41.

Crystal Joseph said she cast her vote for Kamala Harris. Her husband voted for Trump.

“I’m pro-life but that’s not my business,” Crystal Joseph said. “We don’t enforce racial and religious beliefs on others, we respect everybody.”

She said “seeing a tangible plan” and “actual policy” from a candidate was a main factor in her vote for Harris.

Duane Joseph cited Trump's stance on immigration and the economy as his motivations for voting for the GOP presidential candidate.

Latoya Matthews, also of Hempstead, cast her vote at the school named after the country's first black president. She said “my rights as a female” motivated her to vote for Harris.  "... And definitely to vote out Donald Trump."

But at another polling place also in Hempstead, Alverta B. Gray Schultz Middle School, Oneidy Diaz, 25, said immigration and the economy were the primary issues that pushed her to vote for Trump.

“My parents are immigrants themselves, but they did it the legal way,” Diaz said. “I was [a] Democrat since 2016, when I turned 18, but I was like, ‘I can’t do it anymore.'”

A mother of a 5-year-old, she said she hopes there is stability overseas and no foreign conflicts during the next presidency.

Get more reactions from LI voters speaking with Newsday reporters at various polling places in Nassau and Suffolk.

What you need to know to cast your vote

It's Election Day.

If you want to see which candidates are on your ballot, learn about where they stand on the issues or just organize your ballot before heading to the polls, click here to check out Newsday's Voters Guide.

Voting underway on Long Island

Election Day voting is underway as Long Islanders cast ballots for president, a U.S. Senator, Congress members, state legislators, local judges and some town board positions, as well as to help decide a statewide proposition that would protect abortion rights.

Polls opened at 6 a.m. and will remain open until 9 p.m.

In both Nassau and Suffolk, eager voters arrived to their polling sites before sunrise, waiting for the doors to open at 6 a.m.

At least 25 people were lined up at Birchwood Inter School in South Huntington, many donning jackets, coats, and thermoses in hand to stand in low 50s temperatures as the sun began to rise.

Robert Verrastro, 80, of Melville, arrived at the school at 5:30 a.m. to cast his vote for Donald Trump, describing the candidate as the better “of the two."

Teacher Lauren Mendelsohn, 43, and her husband, Brian Mendelsohn, 46, both of Melville, was one of the many professionals voting before a workday. She described her voting experience as "excellent and easy."

By 6:40 a.m. the lines became non-existent outside the school after the first wave of people had finished voting.

Ari and Lee Meller, both 32, said they voted within four minutes.

“They run it really well here,” said Ari Meller, a school social worker.

The married couple said they voted Democrat across the board.

“I'm hoping that we end up with a candidate who cares about reproductive rights and women's rights,” said Ari Meller.

In Cedarhurst, a line of about 20 voters stretched out the front doors of Lawrence High School as polls opened at 6 a.m. The line moved quickly and the process inside was smooth, voters said.

David Campbell, 57, of Cedarhurst, said he didn’t want to “get stuck waiting in line” and decided to cast his vote ahead of the morning rush hour.

Josh Klein, 32, of Woodmere, was among the first people to vote at the site Tuesday morning,

He portrayed the current administration as “weak” on foreign policy and said he voted for Trump.

Get more reactions from voters leaving the polls.

The last day of voting is here. Polls close at 9 p.m. … and then the waiting begins. https://t.co/Vh8HHDCsCd

— Carl MacGowan (@CarlMacGowan) November 5, 2024

Election officials say a big turnout is expected following record early voting since Oct. 26 and a weather forecast that calls for an usually warm and sunny day.

Voters can find their polling site through the state Board of Elections portal at voterlookup.elections.ny.gov.

Gen Z voters discuss being eligible to vote for the first time