Harlem Voter Guide 2021: What's On The General Election Ballot

HARLEM, NY — Early voting is already underway in New York City, with the Nov. 2 general election rapidly approaching. Before you head to your polling place, here's a look at what will be on the ballot in Harlem — and across the city.

First, a word about voting: to find your early or election-day poll site and view a sample ballot, use the Board of Elections website.

Local races in Harlem

While state senate races typically only happen in even-numbered years, Harlemites will vote this week in a special election for the vacant 30th District seat formerly occupied by Brian Benjamin, who became lieutenant governor.

In that race, Democratic nominee Cordell Cleare will face Shana Harmongoff, who is mounting an independent bid on the "Hope 4 NY" party line after unsuccessfully seeking the Democratic nomination. Republican Oz Sultan will also be on the ballot.

Voters in that Central Harlem district who requested absentee ballots should be aware that they may receive two ballots: one for the senate race, and one for the city elections.

As for the three Council districts that cover Harlem, two are contested open seats, while the third has an incumbent running unopposed for a second term.

In District 7, Democrat Shaun Abreu is running to succeed Mark Levine in a district that covers West Harlem, Hamilton Heights and Morningside Heights. He faces two independent challengers: Jomo Manual Williams of the "Black Live Matter" party, and Carmen R. Quinones of the "Black Women Lead" party. Quinones ran in the June Democratic primary, but has recently aligned herself with Republican mayoral candidate Curtis Sliwa.

Central Harlem's District 9 pits Democratic nominee Kristin Richardson Jordan against Republican Alpheaus Marcus. Jordan is a democratic socialist who upset incumbent Bill Perkins in the June primary, while Marcus is a consultant who touts his work on behalf of NYCHA tenants.

Finally, in East Harlem, Democrat Diana Ayala is running unopposed for a second term representing District 8.

Borough-wide and citywide races

Harlem voters will have two Manhattan-wide races on their ballots: the elections for Manhattan Borough President and Manhattan District Attorney.

In the BP race, Democratic nominee Mark Levine is going up against Republican Louis Puliafito and Libertarian Michael Lewyn.

The race for Manhattan's top prosecutor, meanwhile, is between Democrat Alvin Bragg— a Harlem resident — and Republican Thomas Kenniff.

Meanwhile, the citywide races on the ballot will be for mayor, public advocate and comptroller.

Ballot propositions

In addition to local elections, New Yorkers will be asked to vote on five proposed amendments to the state constitution, governing redistricting, environmental rights, voting and civil court claims.

To learn more about each proposition, read this guide from THE CITY.

Early voting will continue through Sunday, Oct. 31, followed by election day on Nov. 2. To find your poll site, click here.