Election Day, despite the national significance, is not a federal holiday. It is, however, a New York state holiday. This can cause some confusion about business each Election Day. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about voting and what to expect elsewhere across the state.

When are polls open?

New York polling places are open from 6a until 9p. If you are in line by 9p, you have the legal right to vote as long as you remain in line.

Do I get time off from work to vote?

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By law, New York employers must give personnel up to two hours paid time off.

Where do I vote?

Find your polling place and a sample ballot at Vote411.org or the NY State Board of Elections site.

Will grocery and retail stores close?

Most major chain retailers are keeping normal business hours on the holiday, including Price Chopper/Market32, Hannaford, Walmart, Target, and most others. Those stores will also keep their pharmacies running at usual hours. Smaller stores may be closed to encourage voting. Call or check social media before shopping local.

Are kids in school?

Attendance At New York City Public Schools Drops During Current Covid Spike
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It depends on your district. Most schools across the Capital Region will be in class, but Troy City Schools are closed for a Professional Development Day for staff. Double check on your specific district’s page if you’re unsure.

Can I still mail letters and packages/will I receive mail?

United States Post offices will remain open on Election Day, because mail-in ballots must be postmarked by today. Usual mail service will continue. FedEx and UPS deliveries also continue on schedule

Are banks open on Election Day?

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Capital Region banks will remain open on usual Tuesday hours. Remember: most will be closed on Friday, as Veterans Day is a federal holiday.

Are government offices and courts still open?

City, State, and Federal government offices will be closed. County government offices are open. New York courts are closed on Election Day.

Is CDTA still offering bus service?

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Yes, CDTA will keep their regular schedule throughout the five-county service area. CDTA is offering free rides to the polls for STAR paratransit customers. (Reservations required by 4p, 11/7.)

Will there still be trash collection?

Yes, area waste management and recycling services will still be providing their usual Tuesday services.

When can we expect election results?

Californians Head To The Polls For Early Voting Ahead Of Super Tuesday
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The Associated Press has been calling US election results since the 1840s. They’re the source that most media outlets, local and national, get their results from. In 2020, the AP first started projections around 9:30p, and had 90% of results by 12:30a. Races are called when a winner is clear. With many of the narrow margins predicted in many New York races, we may not have winners declared until later in the week.

These Are The Top 8 Issues For New York Voters For The 2022 Elections

This Siena College Research Institute poll shows what issues New York voters are most concerned with headed into tomorrow's general election. Data was collected between September 16-25 via phone from 655 likely New York State voters.

A majority 53% of New Yorkers are pessimistic about where the country is headed, while 47% think the state's future is in trouble. Environmental issues just edged out of the top 8, with 55% of those polled in favor of New York passing the proposed $4.2 billion environmental bond act.

Look Inside Joe Biden's Former Syracuse Home

A lot has happened since the house last sold in 2005 for $68,000. Between the previous occupant becoming Vice-President and then the 46th President over the past 17 years, along with the current housing market, the property is now on the market at a substantial uptick of $334,900.

The house is at 608 and 610 Stinard Avenue, and was originally built in 1925. It’s a two-family duplex with 3,364 square feet of space, plus a two-car garage. The first unit is two bed/two bath. The second unit is roomier with four bedrooms and two baths. The house has lots of original wood paneling, which feels very presidential. Could sleeping here lead to a long and successful political career? It certainly couldn’t hurt.

Photo credit: Eric F Metz II, Independent Realty Group via Zillow.

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