Race To Replace George Santos: What To Know In Special Election

QUEENS, NY — The race to replace disgraced Rep. George Santos is almost over.

Northeastern Queens voters will cast their ballots Tuesday in the District 3 congressional contest between Democrat Tom Suozzi and Republican Mazi Pilip.

The race is expected to be tight, as a recent poll indicates Suozzi is ahead by only four points, and the outcome could tip the delicate balance of power in Congress.

Here's what Queens voters need to know.

Can I vote in it?

Prospective voters need to fit two criteria: be registered and live in District 3.

Click here or call 1-866-868-3692 to see if you're registered.

The online registered voter search toll will also tell what's your congressional district. District 3 broadly covers parts of Bayside, Floral Park, Glen Oaks, Little Neck, Queens Village and Whitestone, along with a wider swath of northern Nassau County.

Why a special election again?

The short answer is because George Santos.

Santos, besides being an accused serial liar, became only the sixth member of Congress to be expelled after an ethics investigation concluded he committed federal crimes. (He faces an ongoing federal criminal case.)

His expulsion prompted Gov. Kathy Hochul to call a special election to fill the District 3 seat.

Suozzi previously held the District 3 seat until 2022, when he launched a failed gubernatorial bid against Hochul.

Pilip hopes to keep the seat in GOP control, which is important given the razor-thin, four-seat majority that Republicans have in Congress.

Sounds exciting. How has early voting turnout been?

Not great.

Early voting tallies showed just 9,000 ballots cast in the Queens parts of the district, according to city Board of Elections data.

Maybe people will turn out Tuesday?

Maybe, but they'll likely have to contend with snow.

Up to 8 inches of snow is expected to hit New York City and Long Island Tuesday.

As Politico first reported, fears about the snow scaring off Election Day voters prompted Suozzi to encourage his supporters to cast early ballots over the weekend.

I'm still showing up Tuesday. What should I know?

Polls are open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Voters should check here to see their poll site.

Patch writer Jerry Barmash contributed to this report.