After leading the state in voter turnout in the 2018 midterm election, the Hudson Valley finds itself with an election of national importance. Mary Williams, a Poughkeepsie resident, lives across the street from her polling station and votes in every election.

“It’s just the people are not educated on it. Times are busy, and that’s a problem,” said Williams.

Aug. 23 will be New York’s primary election for this year’s state Senate and congressional elections. In addition to the primaries, voters will have the option to select the new representative for New York’s 19th Congressional District.

NY-19’s seat was left vacant after Antonio Delgado resigned to become lieutenant governor in May. The area represents more than 700,000 constituents, stretching from Poughkeepsie to Cooperstown, and Delgado’s replacement will serve the remainder of his term.

As it stands, Democrats hold the majority in the House of Representatives with 220 seats, and Republicans have 210. With quick math, that leaves the balance of power between parties down to five seats, one of which is up for grabs on Aug. 23.

Democrat Pat Ryan is the current Ulster County executive, and his Republican opponent Marc Molinaro, just across the Hudson River, is the Dutchess County executive.

Daniel Jones is a Dutchess County resident who recently turned 18. His goal of admittance to the Air Force Academy requires a little legwork from whoever is elected to NY-19’s position.

“I need an endorsement from my congressman, and living in District 19, that’s who I have to reach out to,” said Jones.

He said he’ll be at the polls for Aug. 23’s election, but doesn’t have a lot of faith in his neighbors.

“I think there will be not as many as you’d want,” said Jones. “The campaigning that is going on, the signs I’ve seen a lot more on the side of the road here and there.”

It’s a race that much of the Hudson Valley and the rest of the nation will have their eyes on.

“A lot of surprises are going to be on the ballot this year,” said Williams.