By Jessica Michele Herring (staff@latinospost.com) | First Posted: Nov 05, 2013 10:59 AM EST

9:04: Polls have officially closed. Without any votes officially in, The New York Times is projecting that Democrat Bill de Blasio has won the mayoral election. 

5:04: De Blasio visited a crowd outside a subway station in Crown Heights, Brooklyn this afternoon. He shook men's hands, hugged and kissed women and talked with children, The New York Times reports. 

He asked every passing adult, "Have you voted yet?" and told those who had not, "I need your help."

A woman with a cane came up to him and said she was homeless, and began to cry as she told him her story. He rubbed her shoulder in a comforting way and directed her to an aide. 

Letitia James, the Democratic candidate for public advocate, arrived at the Crown Heights stop soon after de Blasio and introduced her niece and nephew to him.

Many women greeted de Blasio emotionally. "All I want to say is that I love you," said a woman in jeans and a denim jacket, and gave him a hug. 

3:10: Lhota posted 15 reasons why he thinks New Yorkers should vote for him. 

Here are 15 reasons to vote for Joe right now! https://bit.ly/16DBU2a  #gojoe- Joe Lhota for Mayor ‏@JoeLhota4Mayor 

3:08: De Blasio shared a photo of himself and supporters spreading his campaign message on Utica Ave. 

Getting out the vote with #TeamdeBlasio on Utica Ave! pic.twitter.com/R0r1WTboth- Bill de Blasio ‏@deBlasioNYC

1:18 p.m.: Lhota cast his vote and posed for a photo op with children.

1:15 p.m.: Republican candidate Joe Lhota tweeted one of his central campaign promises.

1:06 p.m.: Hip hop legend and entrepreneur Russell Simmons shared his support for de Blasio on Twitter.

1:00 p.m.:  Democratic candidate Bill de Blasio cast his vote in the election and shared a photo with his Twitter followers.

New Yorkers, today is the day to get out to the polls and exercise your democratic power to decide who will be the next mayor of New York City. The polls are now open and will not close till 9 p.m.

You can find your polling location site by searching with the Online Poll Site Address Locator, or by calling the Voter Phone Bank at 1.866.VOTE.NYC. Or, email your complete home address to vote@boe.nyc.ny.us and you will be emailed your polling location place. Be sure to include the borough where you live in the subject line.

Today's election will decide who will be New York City's new mayor-- Democrat Bill de Blasio or Republican Joe Lhota-- as well as elections to the New York Supreme Court, Appelate Division & Supreme Court 5th Municipal District, in addition to other municipal elections.

When at the voting location, you will not need to show ID. New York does not require registered voters to show identification when voting in person, Election Protection confirms.

When it is your turn to vote, an election official will ask your full name and address, and they will then say your name and address. You will then sign your name on the back of your registration poll record. Two poll officials will compare the signature with the signature on the registration poll record. If the signatures match, you can vote.

If you did not provide identification with your voter registration form, you will be asked for current and valid identification when you vote for the first time. Current and valid identification includes: a driver's license or department of motor vehicles non-driver photo ID card or other current and valid photo ID, or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address.

Bill de Blasio has been the consistent frontrunner in the mayoral election, continuing to lead more than 40 points in many polls. He is hoping to be swept into office by populist momentum, which continues to ride high. Yet, due to concern that his substantial lead could hinder voter turnout, de Blasio warned supporters to not be complacent and get out to vote.

While de Blasio is the predicted winner and hopes to pursue liberal measures, such as taxing the wealthy to pay for pre-kindergarten and after-school programs and strengthening social programs, Republican candidate Joseph Lhota has not given up hope. The former investment banker still believes that he has a fighting chance, and seeks to implement tax reform and push for more economic development.

Jerry Skurnik, a Democratic political consultant, predicted that turnout would be around 1.2 million, which is what it was in 2009, The New York Times reports. There are 4.3 million active, registered voters in NYC.

Are you voting today? Share your voting experience with us in the comments section below. Be sure to stay tuned as Latinos Post brings you the latest in election news and results.