Is it just us, or does it seem like this election has been going on since the dawn of time and will never actually be over? 

We can't be the only ones.

Well, thankfully, today, we're one step closer to the finish line.

That's right, today is finally the day of the New York State Primary Election. 

If you're feeling a little overwhelmed and unsure of how today's proceedings will work, you're definitely not alone. 

So, we've broken down everything you need to know.

First off, polling places will be open today from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in New York City, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Putnam and Erie counties. All other New York county polling places are open from noon to 9 p.m. 

Where are the polling places, you ask? You can find New York State polling places here and New York City polling places here

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Another important yet slightly infuriating tidbit: you must be registered as either Republican or Democrat in order to vote. New York has absurdly sneaky registration deadlines for their closed primaries. 

The registration deadline for unregistered voters was March 25th, so if you missed it, you're out of luck this time around. Of course, if you were already registered, but registered as an Independent, you had to change that by October... of last year. 


Additionally, all registered voters are eligible for a separate ballot to vote in a special election to fill a vacant seat, if registered in the following districts:

9th Senate District District (Part of Nassau County)

59th Assembly District (Part of Brooklyn)

62nd Assembly District District (Part of Staten Island) - This election is uncontested.

65th Assembly District (Part of Lower Manhattan)

If you should have any issues at the polls, there are resources to help. You can call State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman's hotline for poll site issues at 800-771-7755, as well as email complaints to civil.rights@ag.ny.gov today between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.

So, even though the election coverage occasionally makes us want to rip our hair out, it's definitely an important day for New York State. If you're willing to brave the lines, make sure to get out there and vote. 

Check out Which Presidential Candidate Impressed New Yorkers the Least. 

[via WNYC] [Feature Image Courtesy New York Daily News] 

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