UPPER WEST SIDE VOTING GUIDE 2012: WHO, WHAT, WHEN, AND WHERE, PLUS ELECTION NIGHT PARTIES

On the first Tuesday in November every four years, Upper West Siders get to sit in front of their televisions and pray that the people in Florida and Ohio don’t mess up our lives. And that day is here again. But don’t think your vote doesn’t matter (it arguably doesn’t matter, but don’t think that; it takes the fun out of it).

Update: see how long the lines are at Upper West Side polling sites, as reported by our readers.

Here is your Upper West Side voting guide for 2012:

Where: Find your polling station at this site. Some stations in the city were change because of the hurricane, but it doesn’t appear to have affected our neighborhood. That said, some polling stations have changed in the past four years, so double-check. If you’re feeling cheeky, you can look up your polling site on a website called “Your f-ing polling place” but it only lists federal races. If you’re worried that you’re not registered, or are registered somewhere else, check here.

Who: You can see a sample ballot at the same site where you found your polling place. You can also apparently find out who’s on the ballot here.

In much of the Upper West Side, your ballot will probably include the following choices:

President
Barack Obama: Democrat, Working Families Party
Mitt Romney: Republican, Conservative
Jill Stein: Green Party
Peta Lindsay; Party for Socialism and Liberation
Gary Johnson: Libertarian
Virgil Goode: Constitution

U.S. Senator
Kirsten Gillibrand: Democrat, Working Families Party
Wendy Long: Republican, Conservative
Colia Clark: Green
Chris Edes: Libertarian
John Mangelli: Constitution

U.S. House of Representatives
Jerrold Nadler: Democrat, Working Families Party
Michael Chan: Republican, Conservative

In parts of the Upper West Side, you will choose between Charles Rangel (Democrat and Working Families) and Craig Schley (Republican) and Deborah Liatos (Party for Socialism and Liberation).

State Senator
Brad Hoylman: Democrat, Working Families Party
Unopposed

In parts of the Upper West Side, you will choose between Adriano Espaillat (Democrat) and Martin Chicon (Republican). In other parts, Bill Perkins is the Democratic and Working Families candidate for state senate, and he’s running unopposed.

State Assembly
Linda Rosenthal: Democrat, Working Families Party
Julia Willebrand: Green Party

In parts of the Upper West Side, Daniel O’Donnell is the Democratic candidate for state assemblyman, and he’s running unopposed.

There are also judges to vote for, but it looks like you don’t really have a choice for many of them (3 candidates on the ballot and you can “vote for any 3”). In fact, one candidate for judge, Melissa Crane, is listed on both the Democratic and Republican line, which is a good way to get reelected.

Did we miss anyone? Let us know.

When: Polling places are open from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. and you don’t need ID to vote. There’s a site that allows you to rate your polling station, if you so desire. If you have problems, ask lots of questions and make sure you get to vote, even if it’s by provisional ballot. (One distubring sign: New York’s board of elections FAQ page wasn’t loading as of Monday night.) When you’re done, let us know how it went by sending us an email or posting a comment, especially if you see something fishy or upsetting!

We’ve heard about two election night parties so far. Ken Biberaj, who is running for City Council next year, is holding a party at Columbus 72 starting at 7:30, with donations going to Hurricane Sandy victims (free entry, and cash bar). RSVP here. And the Community Free Democrats are holding a party at Blondie’s on 79th:

“The official Community Free Democrats Election Night Watch party is at Blondie’s Sports Bar at 219 West 79th Street between Broadway and Amsterdam.

The party starts at 8:30 pm with special festivities and a huge celebration when the race is called (hopefully by 11 pm). You must RSVP president@cfdnyc.org in order to be added to the list. We’re fired up and ready to go – and hope you’re ready to go with us!”

If you hear of other parties, let us know.

Clip Art by TikiGiki.