New York City’s early voting for the 2025 mayoral race drew record-breaking crowds over the weekend, with turnout for the first two days surpassing figures from both the June primary and the 2021 mayoral election. Citywide, approximately 165,190 voters cast ballots Saturday and Sunday, more than five times the 31,176 who participated in early voting during the first two days in 2021.
Brooklyn led early voting with 49,432 ballots cast, followed closely by Manhattan with 49,191 voters. Queens reported 38,791 early voters, while the Bronx had 14,225 ballots. Staten Island recorded 12,551 early votes. This surge represents a notable shift from prior elections, both in overall participation and demographic trends.
Analysis of voter data revealed that voters aged 55 and older accounted for the majority of early participants, marking a significant departure from the primary election, when turnout was dominated by younger voters aged 25 to 34. In the general election, the 65–74 age group led with 32,001 ballots, followed by those 75 and older at 30,647, and the 55–64 cohort at roughly 25,000. Voters 25–34 increased to 25,782 but remained behind older age groups. Political analysts noted that the shift could benefit former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent, as older voters have historically supported him.
Cuomo highlighted his experience and partnership with faith-based organizations to address economic development and community services, emphasizing, “You need a mayor who can do the job. It’s between me and Mamdani. You know I can do the job, and this is about saving the City of New York.”
Voters cited a range of concerns motivating their participation, including affordability, housing, safety, and schools, reflecting the issues most pressing to New Yorkers this election cycle.
The nine-day early voting period continues through Sunday, November 2, with Election Day set for Tuesday, November 4. With record turnout already reported, election officials anticipate continued high participation across the city’s five boroughs.
