UPDATE: Early voting in New York City’s 2025 general election kicked off with a record-breaking 79,409 votes cast on Saturday, according to the New York City Board of Elections. This marks a staggering increase from just 15,418 votes on the first day of early voting in the 2021 mayoral election.
Manhattan led the charge with 24,046 early voters, while Brooklyn and Queens reported 22,105 and 19,045 voters, respectively. The Bronx added 7,793 early votes, and Staten Island contributed 6,420, showcasing a strong civic engagement across the city.
Voters are making critical decisions for New York City’s next mayor, alongside positions for city comptroller, public advocate, borough presidents, city councilmembers, and judges. Notably, the district attorneys for Brooklyn and Manhattan are also on the ballot, alongside six significant ballot questions.
Among the ballot queries, the first addresses the future of state forest land, while subsequent questions focus on housing development within the city. The final question proposes moving the city’s election cycle to even-numbered years, aligning with presidential elections, a change that could reshape voter turnout and engagement.
The early voting period lasts for nine days, concluding on Sunday, Nov. 2. New Yorkers can access comprehensive details about the ballot in Gothamist’s voter guide and locate their early voting sites through the official Board of Elections website.
Simultaneously, across the river, New Jersey voters began casting their ballots on Saturday. They are deciding who will succeed term-limited Governor Phil Murphy in a hotly contested race between Democratic Representative Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli.
As the early voting period progresses, officials urge all eligible voters to participate and make their voices heard in these pivotal local elections. Be sure to stay tuned for updates as turnout trends continue to develop throughout the week!
