Long Islanders heading to the polls on Midterm Election Day

Good morning, Rich Aaron. You know, here at the Freeport Rec Center, it's one of Nassau County's busier polling sites. Historically, we've seen that over the last couple of cycles here. And so we're expecting to see a good turnout this morning for the midterm election. As you mentioned, still about just under an hour away from the polls officially opening across New York State. We have seen, again, so quiet here. A couple of poll workers have made their way to sort of get things ready. But we are still waiting, of course, for polls to open up. Now, today, months of campaigning comes down to this, as Long Islanders cast their votes in races up and down the ballot, including, as we mentioned, for Governor, incumbent Democrat Kathy Hochul has been up nearly in every poll in the lead-up to today against Republican challenger Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. But four years ago, Long Island Congressman Lee Zeldin carried both Nassau and Suffolk County, so we'll see if Republicans can build on that today. Polls, again, they open at 6. They will stay open until 9 tonight. And recent polling has found that... Issues like the economy, gas prices, the cost of living, and health care are some of voters' biggest concerns as we go throughout the day. Today, we'll be speaking with Long Islanders to see what is motivating them to head out to the polls. Hochul has already cast her ballot. She voted early when early voting opened up. That was about a week and a half ago. Today, Blakeman is scheduled to cast his ballot that will take place at the Atlantic Beach Village Hall. Again, a little later on this morning, so we'll be there when he casts his ballot. For now, we're in Freeport in Nassau County. Jonathan Gordon, News 12.