Queens borough president election is still on, despite covid fears

Mayor Bill de Blasio said Wednesday that the special election for Queens borough president will proceed as scheduled. The election is March 24 and early voting starts Saturday. Photo by Ed Reed/Mayoral Photography Office

By Victoria Merlino

The Queens borough president special election is still on, for now. 

Mayor Bill de Blasio said Wednesday that the city does not intend to change the March 24 election date or the early voting schedule, which begins March 14, even as the number of Covid-19 coronavirus cases continues to climb in New York City — including two confirmed cases in Queens. 

“I am really, really hesitant to change an election. Ever. For anything,” de Blasio said in response to an Eagle question during a press conference Wednesday evening. “I think that’s a very dangerous thing to do in a democracy.”

“So, we’ll look at it, but I will say we’ll give it a very careful look, talk to health care experts, we’ll consider the dynamics, but right now, it’s not my intention to change an existing election,” he added.

The election would continue even as institutions and local governments cancel gatherings large and small, lawmakers urge “social distancing” and New York shuts down in-person classes throughout the state’s public university system.

De Blasio stressed the importance of good hygiene and health practices during the press conference to help stop the spread of the virus. Preventing transmission of the virus means washing hands often, coughing and sneezing into your elbow and staying home if you feel sick. 

“It’s up to all of us to contribute to ending this crisis. Every New Yorker can help,” de Blasio said.