Due to massively long lines at early voting polling sites, the NYC Board of Elections has extended their hours of operation. The polls will now open at 7:00 am and stay open an hour later than originally scheduled. We posted helpful voting tips last week.  You can click HERE for a refresher.

HOT TIP: If you have an absentee ballot (one that was replaced after the mismatched envelope snafu), you can skip the line entirely by dropping it off at your early polling site.

If you do find yourself in a long line, don’t despair. Volunteers for Pizza to the Polls have been delivering pies to early voting locations all across NYC and the U.S. Actor, Paul Rudd was recently spotted handing out cookies at the Barclay’s Center as a thank you for voting. Anecdotally, despite inclement weather and long waits, New Yorkers have been waiting patiently to perform their civic duty.

New York Magazine collaborated with 48 artists to offer a new spin on the ‘I Voted’ sticker. There are four versions of the October 26th issue, each with 12 unique designs and an accompanying sticker sheet on the inside cover. (Milton Glazer, co-founder of NY Magazine and designer of iconic I Love NY logo, would be so proud.) Brooklyn Heights’ own, KAWS, is one of the featured creatives. (A retrospective of his work, KAWS: What Party, opens at the Brooklyn Museum February 12th).

Gothamist reports as of Wednesday night, nearly 600,000 people have voted in NYC. Brooklyn has the greatest number of early voters in the five boroughs. GO BROOKLYN! So, let your voice be heard then post your ‘I Voted’ selfies in the comments!

Photo Credit: NY Magazine/Barbara Kruger ‘I Voted’ sticker

Capt. Maximo Tolentino, new Commanding Officer of the 84th Precinct, has released this advisory:

1340 Hours: In connection with hurricane Sandy, staffing at the 84th Precinct has been consolidated into 2-12 hour tours, allowing for better coverage during this emergency. Since yesterday, 0700 hours, 84 Precinct personnel have been continuously visiting all areas looking for dangerous conditions and taking corrective action as necessary. Residential and commercial locations located in Zone “A” have all been visited. Public announcements directing an evacuation are also being made and recommended. There is 1 shelter, located at 285 Jay Street, confines of the 84th Precinct, that is currently housing approximately 35 people. There is room for upwards of 600 People. All critical care patients have been visited. If you elect not to evacuate, I recommend that for the duration of the storm that you stay indoors. Any emergency should be called into 911. Stay dry- stay safe.