Today there is a special election in the New York area to replace Jorge Santos

New Yorkers in the 3rd District go to the polls on Tuesday (13) to choose a successor to former Republican Congressman Jorge Santos, of Brazilian origin, whose term was revoked last December, amid several scandals and criminal charges. The district covers parts of Long Island and Queens.

It is expected that the snow storm expected today will make life difficult for voters. Snowfall is expected to range between four and ten centimeters, which may impede traffic and reduce voter turnout on Election Day. City schools have already announced they will close, and several Nassau County school districts are likely to follow suit.

Opinion polls show a close competition between Democrat Tom Suozzi, who previously represented the Third District in Congress, and Republican Mazi Belep, in special elections to fill the open seat.

Both parties are pouring millions of dollars into the race, but Democrats reportedly spent twice as much as Republicans on ads — a total of $13 million in just 10 weeks, according to New York times. Democrats see the seat as a crucial step in their plan to regain their majority in the House of Representatives.

Although the removal of a Republican may indicate favoritism by his opponent, the Long Island region recently voted Republican.