Snow On Way Could Hamper Special Election Turnout

LEVITTOWN, NY — With the storm track changed and more snow likely across Long Island, it could hamper Tuesday's special election.

Tom Suozzi and Mazi Pilip are looking to complete the first term of expelled congressman George Santos.

Suozzi, the former Nassau County Executive, held the 3rd Congressional seat before opting for a gubernatorial run in 2022.

Mazi Pilip has less name recognition in her second term as Nassau County Legislator.

But, a recent Siena College/Newsday poll indicates a tight race as Suozzi is ahead by only four points.

It remains to be seen if the weather will keep voters away from the polls. Queens and Nassau, which cover the district, could get covered in 5-8 inches of snow on Tuesday, and the National Weather Service has a Winter Storm Watch in effect.

One lawmaker within the 3rd district wants to make sure roads are cleared so that residents can get to their polling places safely.

Nassau County Legislator Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D – Glen Cove) wrote letters to Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and area town supervisors (Hempstead, North Hempstead and Oyster Bay).

"The stakes are incredibly high in this forthcoming election, and that makes it even more essential for us to ensure there is no outside interference with the fulfillment of our core responsibilities as public servants," DeRiggi-Whitton wrote to Blakeman. "Accordingly, I have every expectation that your administration will direct County personnel to work for the residents on Tuesday as they normally would – and not to take a 'snow day' to campaign."

Voting takes place from 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Patch will provide election updates Tuesday night.