The first weekend of early voting for the 2025 New York City mayoral general election saw a remarkable turnout, with more than 160,000 voters casting their ballots. This impressive figure, reported by the New York City Board of Elections (BOE), reflects a significant increase in participation compared to previous elections and sets a record for early voting in a mayoral race.
On October 26, 2025, the BOE recorded 164,190 voter check-ins across the five boroughs during the initial two days of early voting. Brooklyn led the turnout with 49,432 check-ins, closely followed by Manhattan at 49,191. Queens accounted for 38,791 votes, while the Bronx and Staten Island reported 14,225 and 12,551 check-ins, respectively. This surge in participation continues the trend of record numbers for early voting in New York City.
With nine days remaining until Election Day on November 4, voters demonstrated a strong desire to engage in the electoral process. Early voting began on October 26, and its initial day saw participation that was more than four times higher than the first day of early voting in 2021 when the last mayoral election took place. Manhattan alone experienced approximately five times the number of voters on its first day compared to 2021.
As voters turned out in droves, many expressed their preferences for the candidates in the race. Among them, frontrunner and Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani garnered significant support, particularly in neighborhoods like Morningside Heights and Harlem, which have historically leaned Democratic. Others voiced their backing for independent candidate and former Governor Andrew Cuomo. In contrast, support for Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa appeared limited, especially in strong Democratic areas.
Several voters shared their sentiments with local media. One resident in the Lower East Side, who has long supported Democratic candidates, noted their choice for Sliwa, citing his vision for the city. “I think he has a vision, there’s hope in him, and he’s fighting for the right causes,” said Serpa, adding that Sliwa offers a compelling narrative not found in other candidates.
Supporters of Mamdani highlighted his plans for affordable housing and social justice, while Cuomo’s backers pointed to his political experience as a key factor in their decision. Carla Drummond and Ken Wilson, both Cuomo supporters, expressed confidence in his ability to challenge former President Donald Trump, with Wilson stating, “I just believe that he’s going to be able to give Trump the most pushback.” Cuomo has framed his campaign in part around his prior interactions with Trump, referring to their relationship as a “dysfunctional marriage.”
The early voting period will remain open daily in New York City’s five boroughs until November 2, two days before the general election. In addition to voting for mayor, residents will also consider various candidates for other elected offices and a range of ballot propositions.
With the election fast approaching, the high turnout rate signals an engaged electorate eager to voice their opinions on the future leadership of New York City.
