Bronx Primary Day Thread (Updated)

Primary Day is upon us here in the northwest Bronx and throughout New York state. Because our borough is so heavily Democratic, this is our de facto election day, which means it’s BIG DEAL. You will be deciding who represents our communities in Albany for the next two years. Throughout the day, we’ll be stopping by a few polling sites to see how things are going, what turnout is like, if there are any problems with the voting machines, etc. We’ll post a few stories on top of this, but this post is an opportunity for readers to weigh in about their experiences at the polls and talk about politics — the candidates, the races, the issues, whatever. This is your forum. Just click on the comments section and fire away. I’ll be collecting the comments and publishing some of them in next week’s print edition. Happy voting!

Bronx End Notes Before State Primaries

With about 13 hours until polls open, here are some quick updates, notes and thoughts before the Sept. 13 primary.

In Norwood, A Sharp Contrast Between Voter Apathy and Gjonaj Supporters

Incumbent Bronx Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera’s political presence in the Norwood area that makes up about 15 percent of the 80th Assembly District is most clearly manifested in a single poster, taped lazily to a residential window at 2970 Bainbridge Avenue.

Sports Agent Tavarez Challenges Rivera in 33rd Senate District; Still Hasn’t Filed Campaign Finances

With his high cheekbones, wide smile and tan skin, Manny Tavarez looks every part a professional baseball player. Although injuries ended his playing career in the Dominican Republic, baseball remains an integral part of Tavarez’s life, even now that he is running for the state senate, making sure to pass out baseballs at nearly every campaign event he attends.

78th Assembly District Underdog: Ricky Martinez

Ricardo Martinez is a true underdog.The longtime Bedford Park resident is running for office in the 78th Assembly District (Bedford Park, Fordham, Crotona) against a living legend in Jose Rivera, the well-known patresfamilias of a Bronx political dynasty. He has no campaign money to speak of. And he’s battling bone cancer.

80th Assembly Underdogs: Adam Bermudez

The youngest candidate in a crowded field for the 80th Assembly District primary, Adam Bermudez, 29, worked as a reporter for the Bronx Times and as a freelance public affairs consultant for other campaigns before deciding to run for office himself.

State Primary Election 2012: FAQs for Bronxites

Here’s our quick guide to what you need to know for the upcoming primary elections in the Bronx.

Bronx Assembly Candidate Channels Inner Pop Star, Asks People to Vote for Him, Maybe

With all the hoopla surrounding incumbent Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera and well-heeled challenger Mark Gjonaj in the Bronx’s 80th Assembly District primary race, it’s been difficult for underdog Adam Bermudez, a former reporter with the Bronx Times, to get noticed. Like other attention-seekers, Bermudez has turned to youtube with a video parody of Carly Rae Jepsen’s super hit, “Call Me Maybe.” Above, you’ll find Bermudez’s version, “Vote for Me Maybe,” which shows the 29-year-old walking around Morris Park and other parts of the district with a guitar and talking/singing to voters and asking for donations.

Diaz and Others Throw Weight Behind Armory Ice Center Plan (Cabrera Still Undecided)

Last Thursday, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and a handful of local officials came out in strong support of a proposal to turn the Kingsbridge Armory into a world-class ice sports center. The video above shows snippets from the new conference, which also featured the project’s two most prominent supporters — former NY Rangers star Mark Messier and gold medal winning figure skater Sarah Hughes. Lehman College President Ricardo Fernandez also attended to show his support.