This year has everything looking differently, elections included. With the election cycle around the corner, many are wondering how they can go to the ballot box without putting themselves and others at risk of COVID-19. Fortunately, New York has made it simple to exercise your civic duty while remaining socially distanced.

Who Is Up For Election?

Besides the Presidential election, Astoria has two candidates up for vote at the ballot:

• Michael Gianaris (D), running uncontested for NY State Senate, District 12.

• Zohran Kwame Mamdani (D), running uncontested for NY State Assembly, District 36.

Where Can I Vote?

Currently confirmed locations for early voting in or near Astoria are:

•  Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens, located at 21-12 30th Rd.

• Museum of the Moving Image, located at 36-01 35th Ave.

• First Baptist Church of East Elmhurst, located at 100-10 Astoria Blvd.

To check your voting status and polling location, visit the findmypollsite.vote.nyc website.

Early voting will be available at select polling sites throughout the city during the following dates and times.

• Saturday, October 24th: 10am-4pm

• Sunday, October 25th: 10am-4pm

• Monday, October 26th: 7am-3pm

• Tuesday, October 27th: 12pm-8pm

• Wednesday, October 28th: 12pm-8pm

• Thursday, October 29th: 10am-6pm

• Friday, October 30th: 7am-3pm

• Saturday, October 31st: 10am-4pm

• Sunday, November 1st: 10am-4pm

When Can I Vote?

Officially, Election Day 2020 is Tuesday, November 3rd with poll sites open similarly to previous elections. Early voting will be held in New York City beginning October 24th through November 1st.

What About Mail-In Voting?

Voters also have the option to request an absentee ballot from their local Board of Elections office. Absentee ballots will be accepted from September 18th until October 27th. In order to receive an absentee ballot, you must mail, email, fax or complete an application online via the vote.nyc website.