Race in NY-19 between Molinaro and Riley among top races Tuesday
Josh Riley (left) and Marc Molinaro (right)
If they haven’t already cast their ballots, voters will head to the polls Tuesday to decide some key races in the Capital Region.
Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The hottest race is the 19th Congressional District featuring first-term Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro against Democratic challenger Josh Riley. The district covers part of Rensselaer County and all of Greene and Columbia counties.
It is a rematch of the 2022 race, in which Molinaro beat Riley by 1.6 percentage points.
The race been highly contentious, with both candidates blasting negative ads throughout the airwaves. Molinaro has criticized Riley on immigration and the border and crime. Riley has attacked Molinaro on the abortion issue.
Voters in New York are also deciding on Proposition 1. Also known as the Equal Rights Amendment, it would amend the state constitution to protect against unequal treatment of citizens “based on ethnicity, national origin, age disability and sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity and pregnancy.” It also protects “against unequal treatment based on reproductive healthcare and autonomy.”
Supporters say the proposition is needed to enshrine abortion rights into the state constitution. Opponents have raised concerns that the language is too vague and would leave it open to interpretation. They worry that it would erode parental rights and open the door for transgender girls to compete against girls in athletics.
Other races include Democrat Paul Tonko being challenged by Kevin Waltz in the 20th Congressional District and Republican U.S. Rep Elise Stefanik facing a challenge from Paula Collins.
Elsewhere, voters in Albany County are electing a district attorney. Five-term incumbent David Soares is seeking re-election. He is running as a write-in candidate after losing the Democratic primary in June to defense attorney Lee Kindlon. The Republican candidate is Ralph Ambrosio, who is a former state police trooper, assistant district attorney in Columbia and Greene counties and assistant attorney general.
Democratic U.S. Sen Kirsten Gillibrand is running for another six-year term and being challenged by Republican Mike Sapraicone.
In Massachusetts, there are a couple of key ballot questions. Proposition 4 would allow people aged 21 and older to use psychedelic mushrooms at licensed therapy centers.
Proposition 5 would establish a minimum wage for tipped workers. The proposal would gradually increase the minimum wage of tipped workers until it meets the state minimum wage by 2029. It would also continue to permit tipping in addition to the minimum wage.
Polls close in Vermont at 7 p.m. and in Massachusetts at 8 p.m.
NewsChannel 13 will have updates after the polls close on air and online.
For more information, head to our website.