It’s only July and 2022 is already shaping up to be a significant election year. The midterm general elections are Tuesday, November 8 and the Congressional and State Senate Primary Elections are Tuesday, August 23.

There is also a special election on August 23 to fill the vacant congressional seat. Democratic Ulster County Executive Pat Ryan is running against Republican Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro to fill the seat representing New York's 19th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

There’s a lot at stake this year, as the winner of our congressional race for New York’s 19th District will help determine which party controls the United States House of Representatives.

Gubernatorial and other state elections will determine the direction our state moves in and with it the future for millions of New Yorkers.

It’s been expected that recent Supreme Court rulings on a wide range of issues including gun control, environmental policy, and reproductive rights have energized more voters. These rulings have made local and state elections even more significant because lawmakers are tasked with addressing these very serious issues.

Primary and special elections typically have lower turnout than primaries or special elections. Yet they provide some of the best opportunities for voters to send a message and choose who they believe will be the best candidates moving forward.

Despite New York having the fourth most registered voters of any state, historically it does not have high voter turnouts, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau. There were indications in the gubernatorial primary held in June that voters are eager and determined to make it to the polls.

So make your voice heard on primary day. Find out your polling location and make your vote count.