Covid-19 Curtails Election-Night Parties

The election-night gathering is one of the most time-honored political rituals. The typically boisterous affair, held traditionally in a hotel ballroom or a local restaurant or catering hall, allows candidates to gather with their supporters ahead of the returns—and the celebration that would ensue if the outcome proves positive.

But this year, the ritual is being upended because of safety concerns related to the coronavirus pandemic. Throughout the New York metropolitan area, candidates are scrapping large-scale gatherings on Tuesday, opting instead in some cases just to watch returns from home or a campaign office with a few crucial people. Leaders of local political clubs and committees, who often host election-night events on their own or in tandem with candidates, are also going the low-key route.

“It’s a shame, but it’s indicative of the times,” said Jay Jacobs, chair of both the New York State Democratic Committee and the Nassau County Democratic Committee.

Mr. Jacobs plans to host an election-night event for both groups at a Long Island catering hall, but attendance is being capped at just 50 people in keeping with New York state’s pandemic-related crowd limit. Normally, the event would draw hundreds, Mr. Jacobs said.

The New York Republican State Committee is similarly planning a small election-night gathering to be held at its office in Albany, according to committee spokeswoman Jessica Proud. In the past, Ms. Proud said, the event has been held at a New York City hotel.