ballot

"Those who could have won have been eliminated. I do not accept this," he said without giving clear directions to his supporters for Saturday's ballot.

Early voting allows New Yorkers to cast a ballot from Saturday until November 2, with Election Day on November 4 and the winner taking office in the New Year.

As Wednesday's vote approaches, Mariam says she will not cast a ballot, sceptical about what difference it will make to her life.

But when counting all the ballots, including blank or protest ballots, support for statehood dropped below 50%.

Here are five things to know about the October 26 ballot, which will choose half of the country's 257 deputies and a third of its 72 senators.