New York City mayor primary: Where the polls are, when they open and close
The marquee race on the ranked choice ballot is for the Democratic nomination for mayor between former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and a slate, led primarily by New York State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani.
The race could provide a bellwether for the larger Democratic party as the coalition seeking to repel Cuomo has framed the choice facing New Yorkers as one between an older, moderate political establishment and a youthful, progressive vision for the party that lost the White House in November.
Early voting, which closed June 22, showed a more than double the number of check ins than the 2021 race that handed the Democratic nomination for one of the most visible mayorships in the nation to Eric Adams – who will run in the general election as an independent.
The New York City Board of Elections reported that its unofficial count of early votes in 2025 is 384,338, while AMNY reported that the board said 191,197 people voted early in 2021.
Here's where New Yorkers can vote on Election Day for the primary and how long the polls will remain open on June 24.
Election Day polls open at 6 a.m. for the New York City primary.
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UPI
24 minutes ago
- UPI
3 reasons Republicans' redistricting power grab might backfire
Texas state Democratic representatives, shown at a rally in Washington, previously left the state in 2021 to try to prevent the state's Republicans from reaching a quorum and passing new voting restrictions legislation. File Photo by Michael Reynolds/EPA The gerrymandering drama in Texas -- and beyond -- has continued to unfold after Democratic state legislators fled the state. The Democrats want to prevent the Republican-controlled government from enacting a mid-decade gerrymander aimed at giving Republicans several more seats in Congress. The Texas GOP move was pushed by President Donald Trump, who's aiming to ensure he has a GOP-controlled Congress to work with after the 2026 midterm elections. Other Republican states such as Missouri and Ohio may also follow the Texas playbook; and Democratic states such as California and Illinois seem open to responding in kind. But there are a few factors that make this process more complicated than just grabbing a few House seats. They may even make Republicans regret their hardball gerrymandering tactics, if the party ends up with districts that political scientists like me call "dummymandered." Democrats can finally fight back Unlike at the federal level, where Democrats are almost completely shut out of power, Republicans are already facing potentially consequential retaliation for their gerrymandering attempts from Democratic leaders in other states. Democrats in California, led by Gov. Gavin Newsom, are pushing for a special election later this year, in which the voters could vote on new congressional maps in that state, aiming to balance out Democrats' losses in Texas. If successful, these changes would take effect prior to next year's midterm elections. Other large Democratic-controlled states, such as Illinois and New York -- led by Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Gov. Kathy Hochul, respectively -- have also indicated openness to enacting their own new gerrymanders to pick up seats on the Democratic side. New York and California both currently use nonpartisan redistricting commissions to draw their boundaries. But Hochul recently said she is "sick and tired of being pushed around" while other states refuse to adopt redistricting reforms and gerrymander to their full advantage. Hochul said she'd even be open to amending the state constitution to eliminate the nonpartisan redistricting commission. It's unclear whether these blue states will be successful in their efforts to fight fire with fire; but in the meantime, governors like Hochul and Pritzker have welcomed the protesting Democratic legislators from Texas, in many cases arranging for their housing during their self-imposed exile. Dummymandering Another possible problem for either party looking to gain some seats in this process stems from greediness. In responding to Democrats' continued absence from Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott threatened even more drastic gerrymanders. "If they don't start showing up, I may start expanding," Abbott said. "We may make it six or seven or eight new seats we're going to be adding on the Republican side." But Abbott might think twice about this strategy. Parties that gerrymander their states' districts are drawing lines to maximize their own advantage, either in state legislatures or, in this case, congressional delegations. When parties gerrymander districts, they don't usually try to make them all as lopsided as possible for their own side. Instead, they try to make as many districts as possible that they are likely to win. They do this by spreading groups of supportive voters across several districts so they can help the party win more of these districts. But sometimes the effort backfires: In trying to maximize their seats, a party spreads its voters too thin and fails to make some districts safe enough. These vulnerable districts can then flip to the other party in future elections, and the opposing party ends up winning more seats than expected. This phenomenon, commonly referred to as "dummymandering," has happened before. It even happened in Texas, where Republicans lost a large handful of poorly drawn state legislative districts in the Dallas suburbs in 2018, a strong year for Democrats nationwide. With Democrats poised for a strong 2026 midterm election against an unpopular president, this is a lesson Republicans might need to pay attention to. There's not much left to gerrymander One of the main reasons dummymandering happens is that there has been so much gerrymandering that there are few remaining districts competitive enough for a controlling party to pick off for themselves. This important development has unfolded for two big reasons. First, in terms of gerrymandering, the low-hanging fruit is already picked over. States controlled by either Democrats or Republicans have already undertaken pretty egregious gerrymanders during previous regular redistricting processes, particularly following the 2010 and 2020 censuses. Republicans have generally been more adept at the process, particularly in maximizing their seat shares in relatively competitive states such as Wisconsin and North Carolina that they happen to control. But Democrats have also been successful in states such as Maryland, where only one Republican serves out of nine seats, despite the party winning 35% of the presidential vote in 2024. In Massachusetts, where Democrats hold all eight seats, Republicans won 37% of the presidential vote in 2024. There's also the fact that over the past half-century, "gerrymanderable" territory has become more difficult to find regardless of how you draw the boundaries. That's because the voting electorate is more geographically sorted between the parties. This means that Democratic and Republican voters are segregated from each other geographically, with Democrats tending toward big cities and suburbs, and Republicans occupying rural areas. As a result, it's become less geographically possible than ever to draw reasonable-looking districts that split up the other party's voters in order to diminish the opponents' ability to elect one of their own. Regardless of how far either party is willing to go, today's clash over Texas redistricting represents largely uncharted territory. Mid-decade redistricting does sometimes happen, either at the hands of legislatures or the courts, but not usually in such a brazen fashion. And this time, the Texas attempt could spark chaos and a race to the bottom, where every state picks up the challenge and tries to rewrite their electoral maps - not in the usual once-a-decade manner, but whenever they're unsatisfied with the odds in the next election. Charlie Hunt is an associate professor of political science at Boise State University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The views and opinions in this commentary are solely those of the author.


Newsweek
an hour ago
- Newsweek
Medicare Update: Lawmakers Sound Alarm About Major Change to Program
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. More than a dozen House Democrats pressed Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Mehmet Oz in a letter last week over CMS's announced plans to expand prior authorization requirements to traditional Medicare through a pilot program. The new model incorporates artificial intelligence to help make decisions and is being tested in six states beginning in January. "Let's call it what it is: profit-driven healthcare," a financial expert told Newsweek, "And profit motive and patient care mix about as well as oil and water. Lawmakers are sounding the alarm, because this directly affects many of their constituents." Why It Matters The pushback highlights a growing partisan debate over how to reduce Medicare spending without restricting beneficiaries' access to care. It also underscores tensions between the Biden-era expansion of oversight and the Trump administration's stated aim to cut waste while modernizing CMS operations. House Democrats argued the new prior authorization pilot would create administrative burdens for providers and patients, while some Senate Republicans believe the Medicare reforms are necessary for rooting out fraud and overpayments. Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA) speaks at a news conference after a meeting with the House Democratic Caucus at the U.S. Capitol Building on September 19, 2023 in Washington, DC. Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee Chair Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA) speaks at a news conference after a meeting with the House Democratic Caucus at the U.S. Capitol Building on September 19, 2023 in Washington, To Know More than a dozen House Democrats, led by Democratic Representatives Suzan DelBene of Washington and Ami Bera of California, sent a letter to CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz on Thursday, requesting information and urging cancellation of a planned prior authorization pilot for traditional Medicare. The lawmakers wrote that "traditional Medicare has rarely required prior authorization," and said that, while prior authorization is "often described as a cost-containment strategy, in practice it increases provider burden, takes time away from patients, limits patients' access to life-saving care, and creates unnecessary administrative burden." The letter asked CMS for details on the pilot's scope, implementation plan and safeguards for beneficiaries. "Prior authorization is often seen as a roadblock to timely, even life-saving care—replacing the doctor's judgment with an algorithm," Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek. "Let's call it what it is: profit-driven healthcare. And profit motive and patient care mix about as well as oil and water. Lawmakers are sounding the alarm, because this directly affects many of their constituents." CMS has planned to roll out the prior authorization program in six states starting in January. The Trump administration previously announced a voluntary pledge from major insurers to simplify prior authorization in Medicare Advantage. Lawmakers said that prior voluntary pledges showed public recognition of the harms of prior authorization, and they urged CMS to reconsider extending similar rules to traditional Medicare. Separately, Senate Republicans discussed broader Medicare changes as part of proposals to reduce waste, fraud and abuse and to modernize CMS operations. Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina said lawmakers were examining CMS contracting practices, duplicate payments and upcoding as potential savings sources, according to The Hill. The Hill also reported that legislation from Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy and Democratic Senator of Oregon Jeff Merkley to reduce Medicare Advantage overpayments had bipartisan interest and might be folded into larger budget measures considered by Senate Republicans. Idaho Republican Senator Mike Crapo said his committee was "evaluating" Cassidy's proposal. Newsweek reached out to CMS for comment via email. What People Are Saying Lawmakers wrote in their letter to CMS administrator, Dr. Mehmet Oz: "Prior authorization has long been abused, and it is bad for patients and providers. The American Medical Association notes, 'Among America's physicians, more than nine in 10 surveyed say that prior authorization has a negative impact on patient clinical outcomes." We urge you to put patients and providers first by cancelling the WISeR model and exploring other ways to limit fraud, waste, and abuse in the Medicare program." Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek: "Will the letter change things? I doubt it. They'll probably get an answer, but expect the same vague, carefully worded response. The current administration is clear on its intent: privatize more of Medicare and crack down on what they label "waste, fraud, and abuse." Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: "Few Americans would be in disagreement that services like Medicare and Medicaid should have strong oversight to ensure funding is being properly used, but the concern with the WISeR model being employed is the use of prior authorization for some Medicare services. Medicare Advantage has a history of requiring prior authorization, and while not all uses have been a source of criticism, it is viewed by some beneficiaries as one of several reasons why Advantage has garnered more negative reactions in recent years." What Happens Next CMS faced requests from House Democrats to provide documentation and to cancel the planned prior authorization pilot. Lawmakers in the Senate continue to debate broader Medicare reforms, and committee deliberations could determine whether proposals addressing Medicare Advantage payments or CMS operational changes move into larger legislative packages. "For the time being, the model isn't nationwide and will be piloted in select states," Beene said. "It's difficult to say if this will eventually be implemented nationwide and will largely depend on how this pilot program goes."

Epoch Times
an hour ago
- Epoch Times
Here Are the States That Are Considering Redistricting
The GOP has the advantage when it comes to the redistricting battles, say experts who spoke with The Epoch Times. As Republicans and Democrats look to control the House in the 2026 midterms, an issue that has come to the forefront is the attempt to redistrict seats. 'California is gerrymandered,' President Donald Trump told CNBC on Aug. 5. 'We should have many more seats in Congress in California—it's all gerrymandered. And we have an opportunity in Texas to pick up five seats.' The GOP has the advantage when it comes to the redistricting battles, say experts who spoke with The Epoch Times. Story continues below advertisement 'Republicans definitely hold the edge here, given that so many states where Democrats could try to draw districts in their favor—California, Colorado, New Jersey, New York, Washington—use some type of [independent] commission to draw lines,' said Shawn Donahue, a political science professor at the University at Buffalo. 'If Democrats win the governorship in Virginia this year, that is another state where they would have the trifecta, but it also uses a commission.' Bryan Jones, a public policy professor at the University of Texas at Austin, said that 'Republicans have the votes in theory.' 'It may not come easy, and the more attention, the less likely the success,' Jones said. 'Democrats will be focused on keeping the issue in the limelight, easier during the special sessions than in a general session.' Here are the states that are now considering redistricting. Texas Texas led the trend by calling a special session to not only deal with the aftermath of flooding in the central part of the state but also to add several new Republican districts. The GOP is looking to add five seats to the congressional map, of which the party controls 25 of 38 seats. Story continues below advertisement This would not be the first time the Texas Republicans have redrawn the congressional map outside of the usual time, which is in the aftermath of the census every decade. California In response to Texas's plans to add congressional seats, California is Democratic state lawmakers have fled Texas in an attempt to deny the GOP the presence of a quorum to approve the new response to Texas's plans to add congressional seats, California is looking to 'fight fire with fire,' according to California Gov. Gavin Newsom. 'We also will punch above our weight in terms of the impact of what we're doing,' he told reporters on Aug. 4. 'And I think that should be absorbed by those in the Texas delegation. Whatever they are doing will be neutered here in the state of California.' But this is easier said than done. Story continues below advertisement California's redistricting map is drawn by an independent commission. Newsom announced on Aug. 8 that he will call a special election to redraw California's congressional map and therefore go around the commission. 'We are talking about emergency measures to respond to what's happening in Texas, and we will nullify what happens in Texas,' he told reporters. 'We will pick up five seats with the consent of the people, and that's the difference between the approach we're taking and the approach they're taking. We're doing it [on a] temporary basis.' Story continues below advertisement Democrats control 43 of the Golden State's 52 congressional seats. New York New York wants to join California in the redistricting resistance against Republicans, but, like California, it has an independent commission that draws the congressional maps. 'Democratic states have gone to independent redistricting,' Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said at an Aug. 4 press briefing. 'It's difficult to ask New York, California, and other Democratic-leaning states to play nonpartisan while Republicans play very partisan.' New York Gov. Kathy Hochul seems to want to go around the independent commission. 'We're sick and tired of being pushed around when other states don't have the same aspirations that we always have,' she said at the same press briefing. which she hosted alongside Texas Democrats who fled their state over the GOP-led redistricting map. 'And I hold those dear. But I cannot ignore that the playing field has changed dramatically, and shame on us if we ignore that fact and cling tight to the vestiges of the past. That era is over—Donald Trump eliminated it forever.' Story continues below advertisement At least one Republican in the state is against the redistricting battle. 'I think it's wrong, what Texas is doing,' Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) said on CNN. 'I don't support it. I think it is wrong.' Democrats control 19 of the 25 congressional districts in the Empire State. Indiana Another red state, Indiana, may add a seat or two to help Republicans keep control of Congress. The GOP already controls seven of the state's nine congressional districts. 'Some Republicans are thinking about redistricting, but geography makes it hard,' William Bianco, a political science professor at the University of Indiana, told The Epoch Times. Story continues below advertisement 'There are two Democratic areas in the state—Indianapolis and the northwestern area near Chicago. 'At most, they might get one more Republican seat, but at the cost of making two or three existing Republican incumbents significantly more vulnerable.' Vice President JD Vance has met with Indiana Gov. Mike Braun to discuss the possibility. Braun has not committed to redistricting mid-decade. Story continues below advertisement 'Whatever we discuss there, if that topic comes up, is exploratory,' he told the press ahead of meeting Vance. 'So there's been no commitments made other than that.' Ohio Ohio will have no choice but to redraw its map due to its 2021 version not receiving bipartisan support. Following the meeting, Braun did not specifically comment on the will have no choice but to redraw its map due to its 2021 version not receiving bipartisan support. The GOP controls 10 of the state's 15 congressional seats. Maryland State Rep. David Moon, a Democrat, said he would put forth legislation to redistrict in the Old Line State if Texas goes through with its redistricting. 'I'm introducing legislation to redraw Maryland congressional districts if any other state cheats & draws new maps outside of the census period,' he wrote on X. 'Seems Trump has convinced Texas, Missouri & others, and FWIW TX did it years ago & got away with it because nobody responded.' Story continues below advertisement The Democrats control all but one congressional district in Maryland. Florida The speaker of the Sunshine State's House, Daniel Perez, announced on Aug. 7 that he is creating a select committee to consider redrawing the congressional map this fall. State senate leaders have not yet disclosed similar plans. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis previously said he's 'very seriously' looking at a mid-decade redistricting. The GOP controls 20 of Florida's 28 congressional seats. Wisconsin Wisconsin state Democrats have turned to the courts to try to force a redrawing of districts before the 2026 midterms. The state Supreme Court declined to hear their challenge, and lawsuits have since been filed. The GOP controls six of the Badger State's eight congressional districts. Missouri The Missouri Legislature could be called into special session in order to draw a district that favors Republicans. This would be done by splitting up a district that includes Kansas City and is represented by Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.). Were it successful, Cleaver would likely be pushed out of office. The GOP controls all but two of Missouri's eight congressional districts.