UPDATE: More than 735,000 ballots have been cast in early voting across New York City, setting a record for nonpresidential elections just ahead of Tuesday’s crucial mayoral election. This surge in turnout reflects a significant increase in participation from younger voters, with Sunday alone seeing approximately 151,000 ballots cast—the highest single-day total since early voting began.
Officials from the city’s Board of Elections report that the final day of early voting attracted more voters under 35 than the entire first weekend combined. This marks a notable shift, bringing the median age of early voters down to 50 years old, signaling an increasing engagement among younger demographics.
Early voting trends indicate that turnout among younger voters lagged initially, with only about 80,000 individuals under 35 participating from Sunday to Thursday. However, this changed dramatically with over 100,000 young voters casting ballots from Friday to Sunday, including more than 45,000 on Sunday alone.
In comparison to the last mayoral election in 2021, where approximately 170,000 early votes were cast, this year’s race has already seen more than four times that amount. Candidates include Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, and rivals Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa.
While the early turnout this year does not surpass the over 1 million ballots cast during the 2022 presidential election, the profile of voters has shifted significantly younger. Historically, early voters tend to be older than the general voter population, making this trend even more noteworthy.
During the 2022 midterm elections, early voting saw 433,000 participants, predominantly over the age of 55. The recent numbers demonstrate a clear evolution in voter engagement, especially among younger citizens who are increasingly participating in the democratic process.
This year’s election could prove pivotal in shaping the future of New York City. As the clock ticks down to Tuesday, citizens are encouraged to make their voices heard and participate in this historic election. The outcome will not only impact city governance but also reflect broader trends in voter participation across demographics.
Stay tuned for ongoing updates as polling day approaches, and be sure to share this vital information with your networks. Every vote counts!
