Updated April 19, 2016 14:13:27
It is unusual for New York to matter when it comes to the presidential nominating process — and the Big Apple loves the spotlight.
Key points:
- Nominations usually sewn up by NY primary but vote significant on both sides of politics this time
- Win will help Clinton tighten grip on Democrat lead
- NY is one of the most Republican delegate-rich states in a very tight race
The nominations are usually sewn up by the time New Yorkers hold their primary but this time the vote is significant on both sides of politics and, with three candidates with New York ties, it is personal.
Democratic socialist Bernie Sanders has attracted huge crowds, particularly in Brooklyn, where he was born but has not lived for more than 50 years.
It is said that New York City (or Downstate) and Upstate New York are different countries politically.
Urban New York City is progressive Democrat heartland and Mr Sanders’s particular brand of liberalism resonates with many.
His stump speeches about expanded social security, public healthcare and education and support for gay marriage and LGBTQ rights have had crowds chanting his name.
But Mr Sanders has a big disadvantage in this primary and others from here on.
Only Democrat members can vote, and they had to be registered months ago, which means independents who have been backing him elsewhere are ineligible.
Sanders, Clinton locked in virtual tie as preferred president
As a former New York senator, Hillary Clinton has her own ties to the place.
She remains the frontrunner for the Democrat nomination with by far the most delegates and she has a poll average lead in New York of 12 points.
Yet Mr Sanders still has her under pressure.
A new national poll has them locked in a virtual tie as preferred president and, tellingly, he’s been gaining while she’s been losing.
Even with all of that, the nomination is virtually out of his reach because he simply hasn’t won enough delegates — and a solid win here will help her tighten her grip.
There are 247 Democrat delegates up for grabs.
Trump campaigning on native New Yorker credibility
Photo: Donald Trump is polling more than 50 per cent in most parts of New York. (AFP: Kena Betancur)Meanwhile, every single delegate counts for Mr Trump, who needs 1,237 to reach the required threshold to avoid a contested convention where he may lose to rival Ted Cruz.
He is polling more than 50 per cent in most parts of New York, having milked his native New Yorker credibility for all it is worth.
He may lose some delegates in more conservative Upstate which has been hard hit by manufacturing job losses, but he has campaigned there too, promising to revitalise employment.
New York has some tricky Republican delegate allocation rules.
The winner of the statewide majority gets 14 delegates but the other 81 out of a total of 95 are decided by congressional district.
If a candidate wins more than 50 per cent of a district vote all three district delegates are allocated, but if it is less than 50 per cent the leader gets only two delegates and one is given to the second placegetter.
It is one of the most delegate-rich states in a very tight race to the finish.
Voting opens as early as 6:00am ET (8pm AEST) in some areas and closes at 9:00pm (11am AEST).
Topics:world-politics, us-elections, government-and-politics, united-states
First posted April 19, 2016 11:35:34
