New Yorkers are today choosing a replacement for Mayor Mr Rudolph Giuliani.
Republican candidate Mr Michael Bloomberg, Mr Giuliani's preferred candidate, is in a close contest with Democrat Mr Mark Green.
Whoever is elected will face the task of rebuilding lower Manhattan at a time when the city is sliding into its worst financial crisis for decades.
He will also inherit Mr Giuliani's zero-tolerance strategies that have led to a dramatic fall in crime but brought criticism from liberals.
The winner will have to shake off the shadow of Mr Giuliani, who has won unprecedented popularity since the September 11th attacks.
Dubbed "Rudy the Rock" for his determined response to the attacks, Mr Giuliani would likely have secured a landslide victory if election rules did not bar him from standing for a third term.
After September 11th Mr Giuliani considered trying to stand again and tried to extend his term for 90 days. But he eventually decided to retire on schedule after criticism from Democrats.
He has since campaigned for Mr Bloomberg, backing him as "a leader, not a politician".
PA