Polls close in South Brooklyn’s City Council special election
Voters are choosing between longtime Democratic state Sen. Simcha Felder and Republican community activist Heshy Tischler to fill the seat left vacant since January.
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UPDATE: The polls closed in the special election. News 12 will have an update when the results become official. Original story is below.
A special election is underway in Brooklyn’s City Council District 44, but turnout remains low despite the high stakes.
Voters are choosing between longtime Democratic state Sen. Simcha Felder and Republican community activist Heshy Tischler to fill the seat left vacant since January.
Polling places, including one at FDR High School, have been open since 6 a.m., giving residents of neighborhoods like Mapleton, Borough Park and Midwood the chance to cast their ballots. However, few have shown up as of noon, making this a potentially close race in the predominantly Orthodox Jewish district.
One local voter who spoke with News 12 but did not wish to be named emphasized the importance of participating in elections.
“I always come to vote. I think it’s important to share your voice. It’s not always about who I’m voting for — I believe voting is important,” he said.
Polls will close at 9 p.m., and the winner will serve for the remainder of the year before another election is held in November.
