Albany Times Union’s ‘Capitol Confidential’ Good Place to Keep Abreast of NY State Political News Quickly, Efficiently

Here’s your roundup!

Eleven seats will be determined during Tuesday’s special elections, which could give Democrats control of the state Senate. Capital Region voters will also have the chance to determine the successors to state Assemblymen Steve McLaughlin and Peter Lopez. (TU)

Few of the seats available are considered competitive, but the race in Westchester County has great significance. Here’s what you should watch for as the elections play out. (C&S)

The state has adopted a number of changes to voting that will be in place on Tuesday to make sure the elections are secure from invasion. (TU)

Gubernatorial candidate Cynthia Nixon doesn’t think she will get enough support at the Democratic Committee to get a spot on the party’s ballot in September, so she’s going to be collecting signatures. (Politico)

Nixon lacks funding, but she’s making up for it in different ways– like appearing on late-night programs and getting national attention. (DN)

Dying with dignity – or is it a slippery slope? Hundreds of people on both sides of the physician-assisted suicide debate showed up to Albany on Monday for a hearing on legislation that would allow people with a terminal illness to request life-ending medication from a doctor. (AP)

In a letter written to counsel Alphonso David, Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan made it clear that the Senate won’t be rushing to confirm Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s appointments like it has in the past. (DN)

Cuomo wants to get rid of plastic bags used by grocery stores and many retailers to help protect our environment. (TU)