Queens, NY – Voters in the 13th State Senate District are going to the polls today to decide whether to send Hiram Monserrate back to Albany.

Monserrate is the reason there’s an open seat, as he was expelled from his Senate seat last month, but decided to seek reelection.

He no longer has the support of the Queens Democratic Party. Assemblyman Jose Peralta has stepped in as the party’s pick.

Robert Beltrani is the Republican candidate.

Monserrate says he does not believe his assault conviction is enough to keep voters from bringing him back.

“The people are invigorated. They are tired of politics as usual. They are tired of special interests and big fat-cat bosses telling them what to do,” said Monserrate yesterday. “I’m the people’s candidate and that’s why we will have a victory tomorrow.”

“Every vote counts, every vote matters,” Peralta said. “Many people will tell you that we need to make sure that people understand that this is probably one of the most important races in the state of New York. We are voting for [the 32nd Democrat in the State Senate].”

If Monserrate loses, he has said he might go after Peralta’s Assembly seat — which would become vacant — or he could choose to run again for the Senate in November.

Polls are open until 9 p.m.

The 13th State Senate District encompasses East Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, Corona, and parts of Elmhurst and Woodside.

(Source: http://www.ny1.com/)