New York votes: Top contests in Tuesday's election

Both Parties Await Result in Virginia, and What It Bodes for the Battles Ahead 

EXPLAINER: What would Minneapolis policing ballot issue do?

America isn't voting for president this time around, but the state and local races *still* have a major impact far and wide - in tone, tempo and topic.

Here are 3 election day races to watch and why they matter. 

 as pandemic politics swirl (a rise in crime, economic concerns, vaccine mandates, etc.).

Both candidates have a reputation for being tough on crime; former police chief and current Brooklyn borough president Eric Adams (D) faces off vs. Curtis Sliwa (R), founder of the Guardian Angels - a NYC citizens' crime watch group he formed in the 1970s.

NYC historically votes Democratic. If elected, Adams would be the city's 2nd black mayor.

The face off: Former Gov. Terri McAuliffe, a well-known Democrat, vs. political newbie & business man 

Despite Pres. Biden winning this state last year, the polls have tightened to a neck-&-neck race. 

: A test for Democrats to hold the governor's seat on the doorstep of Washington D.C.

 VA is the only state to NOT allow a gov. to serve back-to-back terms.

"The races for governor in Virginia and New Jersey that occur a year after the presidential election have long been the first political temperature checks on the new White House and Congress, particularly among the election-deciding suburbanites so abundant in both states."

, October 30, 2021, on why political watchers keep an eye on these states for insight into voters and future political strategy.

: Will the "Defund the Police" movement gather steam? 

: Asks voters if they would want to change a city charter that *currently* requires a police dept. with a minimum staffing.

? Details remain TBD. A Dept. of Public Safety would replace the Minneapolis Police Department.

: First notable vote on this issue since the murder of George Floyd in May 2020.

Why does America vote the first Tuesday in November (as long as it's not November 1)? 

A tradition that dates back to early American farming communities. America was largely an agrarian society, with most people depending on 

 to make money and support their families. November marks the end of the 

 (meaning most of the agricultural work was already done); early November was also still usually 

 for most rural farmers to travel into cities before winter weather began.

Politics

Races To Watch

New York votes: Top contests in Tuesday's election (Associated Press) 

Both Parties Await Result in Virginia, and What It Bodes for the Battles Ahead