NY – New Yorkers turned out in record numbers during the first weekend of early voting for the 2025 mayoral election, with more than 160,000 ballots cast across the city’s five boroughs, the highest early-voting pace ever recorded in a New York City mayoral race.
According to data released by the New York City Board of Elections (BOE) on Sunday evening, 164,190 voters checked in during the first two days of early voting, which concluded at 5 p.m. on Oct. 26. Brooklyn narrowly led the turnout with 49,432 voters, followed closely by Manhattan with 49,191. Queens came in third with 38,791, while the Bronx and Staten Island recorded 14,225 and 12,551, respectively.
The surge marks a dramatic increase compared to the city’s last mayoral election in 2021, when only about 31,000 New Yorkers voted early during the same two-day period.
High Turnout, Strong Emotions
Voters lined up throughout the weekend at polling sites in neighborhoods such as Morningside Heights, Harlem, and the Lower East Side. Many expressed enthusiasm for their chosen candidates in a race that has become increasingly competitive.
Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, a progressive Assemblymember from Queens, appeared to dominate early enthusiasm in historically Democratic areas. At P.S. 175 in Harlem, voters Sara Serpa and Andre Matos said they cast their ballots for Mamdani because they believed he offered “a clear vision for the city.” “I think he represents hope,” Serpa said. “He speaks well, has solid plans for affordable housing, and truly fights for justice and equality.”
Others, however, voiced support for independent candidate and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is positioning himself as the experienced moderate capable of standing up to former President Donald Trump. “I just believe Cuomo has the experience and toughness needed right now,” said Ken Wilson, who voted alongside Carla Drummond in Manhattan. “He’s the only one who can give Trump real pushback.”
Cuomo has emphasized his past dealings with Trump during his governorship, often describing their relationship as a “dysfunctional marriage”, contentious but experienced. While Trump has not endorsed a candidate, he has openly criticized Mamdani throughout the campaign.
Meanwhile, Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, though polling behind the frontrunners, has seen a slight uptick in support compared to his 2021 run. Some traditionally Democratic voters even told reporters they were considering Sliwa, despite disagreeing with his party’s broader platform.
Election Momentum Builds
With nine days remaining until Election Day on Nov. 4, early voting continues through Nov. 2 in all five boroughs. Voters will not only choose the next mayor but also decide on several local races and ballot propositions. To find early voting sites and hours, New Yorkers can visit the Board of Elections website at findmypollsite.vote.nyc.
By the Midtown Times Staff
