Independent candidate Ben Walsh wins Syracuse mayoral election

Ben Walsh, an independent, has won Syracuse's 2017 mayoral election. With 96 percent of districts reporting, Walsh defeated democratic candidate Juanita Perez Williams to become the first independent mayor elected in Syracuse since 1913 on Tuesday. Walsh won with 54.4 percent of the vote while Williams trailed with 37.9 percent.

Walsh previously served as the city's economic development director, overseeing the renovation of Hotel Syracuse and bringing PriceRite to Syracuse's South Side. Now, he will succeed Mayor Stephanie Miner, a Democrat who served two terms for the city. Walsh's term will begin in 2018.

For the 8th year, Democracy in Action sent journalists from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University to cover Election Day in Central New York.

Graduate and undergraduate students cover the polls across Syracuse gathering stories from voters and poll workers. They reported on a variety of stories through articles, broadcast packages, audio pieces and live streams.

The following are Election Day stories that Newhouse students covered during the 2017 election.

Petit Branch Library voter turnout is consistent, but not enough

By Gabriela Knutson

The chairperson's goal is to erase discrimination and keep voting open to everyone.

Voting system specialists help reduce fears of the voting process

By Jae Hyun Kim

Jae Hyun Kim reports on the job of the system specialist to make sure that the scanning systems function properly.

Best friends reflect on two decades of election days

By Gabriela Julia

This year, Mary Corso and Carol Lanning will spend 17 hours at Hazard Branch Library and need each other to keep busy.

The people behind the signs

By Matt St. Jean

Rain, snow or sleet, these supporters are at intersections with smiles on and hands waving.

Some CNY voters return to the polls motivated by last year's results

By Jonathon Hoppe

After last year's polarizing presidential elections, many voters are still feeling the effects of last November.

Election Day creates an emotional connection with some voters

By Timothy Collins

Syracuse resident Jeff Fudesco explains what motivates him to head to the polls.

Spaghetti supper on Election Day

By Katie Benoit

The Annual Election Day Spaghetti Dinner brings voters and candidates together on Election Day.