Polling place/Credit: Flickr user Steve Rhodes

While this year’s election night hardly has the country as riveted as 2008, that’s no reason not to pay attention. There are several races that could have significant local impact in key areas of the country,

As the results start to roll in tonight, PBS’ NewsHour has listed the races to watch, including the gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey, a same-sex marriage bill in Maine, and a congressional race in New York.

Speaking of New York City, the winner of the mayoral race winner is almost a given thanks to popular Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who is seeking a third term. But Marketplace reports that what’s been his biggest boon — his own wallet– may also be drawing criticism from voters.

“Chris Smith has covered Bloomberg for New York Magazine since he first ran for mayor in 2001. He says the mayor is spending so much, in part, because he can. Remember, even $140 million is less than 1 percent of Bloomberg’s money.”

To follow all the New York-area races, WNYC has put together a series of stories and interviews with key candidates talking about about issues like property taxes, the public health care option and education.

In Ohio, extra cash might be on its way to the state’s coffers if a new measure allowing the construction of casinos is approved. Neighboring Michigan Public Radio reports on the fear that casinos in Ohio could draw business away from casinos in Detroit.

And in Maine, one of the most hotly contested ballot issues is same-sex marriage, and Maine Public Radio’s Susan Sharon talks with a civil rights attorney about the campaign.