NYC Early Voting Concludes with Over 735,000 Ballots Cast

New York City’s early voting period for the mayoral election concluded with more than 735,000 ballots cast. This figure represents a significant increase compared to the same period in the previous mayoral election cycle. Polls closed on Sunday, but voters will have the opportunity to cast their ballots again on November 7, 2023, Election Day, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Candidates Mobilize Supporters in Final Push

As the early voting period came to a close, candidates for mayor took to the streets, delivering their final messages at churches and rallies. Each candidate urged supporters to vote, emphasizing the importance of participation in the electoral process. Former Governor Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent, and Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani both made appeals to Black voters during their morning radio show appearances. Meanwhile, Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa campaigned in Brighton Beach, where he highlighted the necessity of voting, regardless of candidate preference.

On Sunday evening, former President Donald Trump entered the conversation, giving a somewhat backhanded endorsement to Cuomo during an interview on CBS’ “60 Minutes.” Trump stated he was “not a fan of Cuomo,” but would choose him over Mamdani, whom he labeled as a “communist.” In reality, Mamdani identifies as a democratic socialist. Trump’s comments could potentially sway some last-minute Republican voters towards Cuomo, though they may alienate Democratic supporters.

Record Turnout Amid Marathon Excitement

Sunday, the final day of early voting, saw approximately 151,000 ballots cast, marking it as the busiest day of the voting period. This surge reflects growing engagement compared to the last mayoral election, where early turnout was significantly lower. Candidates navigated the streets packed with runners participating in the New York City Marathon, a concurrent event that attracted thousands. Mamdani, a former marathon participant, even took time to cheer on runners during a campaign stop in Brooklyn.

In a show of community support, Mamdani later joined Kathy Hochul, the Governor of New York, to watch a Buffalo Bills game at a sports bar in Astoria, Queens. Following this, he attended a Knicks game at Madison Square Garden. As the candidates continued their campaigning, they faced the challenge of capturing voters’ attention against the backdrop of one of the city’s most popular sporting events.

Overall, the early voting period has set a promising stage for the upcoming election, with candidates navigating a landscape filled with both challenges and opportunities as they seek to secure votes in this pivotal moment for New York City.