We are just one month away from Election Day — and this is likely the most important night for two of Mayor de Blasio’s challengers when they share the stage with him at Symphony Space on the Upper West Side.

In a debate co-sponsored by NY1, Nicole Malliotakis and Bo Dietl are squaring off against the mayor for a no-seatbelt forum for 90 minutes. Polls released last week show that they both have a football field worth of ground to make up if either of them want to unseat the mayor in an upset.

As the local economy chugs along and crime near record lows, many New Yorkers are pointing their news antennae toward Washington D.C. rather than City Hall. It’s up to the mayor’s challengers to show how they can make things better closer to home.

With NY1 Political Anchor Errol Louis moderating, the debate promises to put a spotlight on the many issues confronting the city that often are overlooked. I’d urge all of you to watch tonight starting at 6:30 p.m. when our coverage begins. We will also wrap things up with a special half-hour program at 8:30 p.m. For the night owls out there, we will replay the debate at 10 p.m.

If you are truly worried about the direction of politics in our country, take those concerns to your own backyard and tune in. In this brave new world, it’s something you can’t afford to miss.

Bob Hardt