Day: November 5, 2024

Election Day wrapped up Tuesday evening as Brooklynites, alongside millions of fellow New Yorkers, cast their ballots in the closely watched presidential race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. Voters also decided on critical down-ballot races that could shift the political landscape both locally and nationally.

The city experienced record-breaking early voting from Oct. 26 to Nov. 3, with over 1 million ballots cast. On Election Day itself, the New York City Board of Elections reported 2,195,863 check-ins across New York City by 6 p.m., with Brooklyn leading the count at 685,610. During early voting, Brooklyn also set the pace with 345,840 check-ins, the highest of any borough.

The race for New York’s 26 electoral votes leans heavily in favor of Harris, continuing a Democratic streak dating back to Ronald Reagan’s 1984 victory. However, with high stakes in state Assembly and Senate races, particularly in southern Brooklyn districts that flipped red in the 2022 midterms, both major parties are paying close attention to tonight’s results.

Brooklyn voters also weighed in on races for Senate, House of Representatives, state Supreme and Civil Court judges, and six state and local ballot initiatives.

The pressure is also on for U.S. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the Brooklyn congress member poised to become the first Black Speaker of the House if Democrats successfully flip the Republican-majority House of Representatives.

Before Nov. 5, Republicans held a narrow majority in the House, 220-212. But with several key seats in play — including a handful of hotly-contested races in New York — Democrats may be able to regain control.

As polls closed, candidates and their supporters gathered for watch parties across the borough, bracing for what could be a long night as votes are counted.

This story is developing. Check back for updates as unofficial election night results come in.