Early Voting in NYC Sees Record Turnout for Mayoral Race

NEW YORK CITY, NY — The New York City Board of Elections reported a record turnout as early voting began for the mayoral race, with 79,409 voters checking in on the first day.

On Saturday, Oct. 25, voters across the five boroughs flocked to the polls, surpassing previous years’ numbers. Manhattan saw the highest participation, with 24,046 ballots cast. Brooklyn followed with 22,105, while Queens recorded 19,045. The Bronx had 7,793 votes, and Staten Island saw 6,420.

This year’s turnout is a significant increase compared to the first day of early voting in 2021, when just 15,418 voters participated. The jump is more than quadruple the count, showing heightened engagement among residents in a crucial election to replace former Mayor Eric Adams, who dropped out of the race in September.

Current candidates include Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, Republican Curtis Sliwa, and Independent Andrew Cuomo. Polls show Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, leading with double-digit margins ahead of his rivals, riding on themes of affordability and progressive change.

Voters shared a spectrum of opinions during early voting. Nilka, a former Democrat, expressed her support for Sliwa, citing his longstanding ties to the community. In contrast, many others voiced support for Mamdani, looking for a transformative shift in city politics.

Marcia, a Brooklyn Democrat, emphasized her concerns about crime and safety, stating the urgent need for change. Another voter, Taishima, echoed uncertainty about the candidates yet acknowledged Mamdani’s popularity.

With the election day set for Tuesday, Nov. 4, the intense competition continues as candidates prepare for upcoming debates, hoping to sway undecided voters.