New York and New Jersey voters will decide on a governor, a U.S. Senate seat and pivotal House contests on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026.
Key points
- Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul leads Republican Bruce Blakeman by double‑digit margins in recent polls.
- New York polls close at 9 p.m.; New Jersey polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day.
- Mail‑in ballots in NY must arrive by Nov. 10; in NJ they must arrive by Nov. 9.
- Key federal races include Sen. Cory Booker vs. Justin Murphy in NJ and Rep. Tom Kean Jr. vs. Rebecca Bennett in NJ’s 7th District.
On Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, voters in New York and New Jersey will cast ballots for a range of high‑profile contests, including New York’s governor, a New Jersey U.S. Senate seat and a closely watched House race in northern New Jersey, according to information from the state election boards.
Polls released this week suggest a strong advantage for Democrats in several races. An Oct. 28 Siena poll showed incumbent Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul leading Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman 54% to 40% among likely voters, while a Marist poll placed Hochul ahead by 11 points. Rutgers‑Eagleton pollster Ashley Koning described the results as part of a potential “blue surge” heading into the midterms.
Polling outlook
In New York, polling places are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Voters who request early‑mail or absentee ballots must have them postmarked by Nov. 3 and received by Nov. 10. Ballots can also be dropped off at any county poll site or local board of elections before the 9 p.m. deadline.
New Jersey’s ballot features Democratic U.S. Sen. Cory Booker seeking a third full term against Republican challenger Justin Murphy, as well as all 12 House seats. The marquee House contest is in the 7th Congressional District, where Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. is running for a third term against Democrat Rebecca Bennett.
How to vote in NY and NJ
New Jersey voters have slightly earlier hours, with polls open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mail‑in ballots must be postmarked by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3 and received by the county board of elections by Nov. 9. Voters may also use secure drop boxes or deliver ballots directly to their county board before the deadline; mailed ballots cannot be turned in at polling places.
Analysts note that rising living costs and a growing share of unaffiliated voters are reshaping the Mid‑Atlantic electorate, potentially influencing turnout and party performance in these midterm contests.
Reader questions
When do mail‑in ballots need to be postmarked and received in New York and New Jersey?
In New York, mail‑in ballots must be postmarked by Election Day (Nov. 3) and received by Nov. 10. In New Jersey, they must be postmarked by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3 and received by the county board of elections by Nov. 9.
What are the major races on the ballot in New York?
Voters in New York will choose a governor—incumbent Democrat Kathy Hochul versus Republican Bruce Blakeman—and other statewide and local offices, as outlined by the New York State Board of Elections.
Which House race in New Jersey is considered the most closely watched?
The 7th Congressional District race, where Republican Rep. Tom Kean Jr. seeks a third term against Democrat Rebecca Bennett, is highlighted as a marquee contest.
Source: fox5ny.com
