N.Y.C. Early Voting Hits Record 735,000 as Youth Turnout Soars

UPDATE: In a historic turnout, more than 735,000 New Yorkers have cast early ballots ahead of Tuesday’s pivotal mayoral election. This marks the highest early in-person turnout for a nonpresidential election in New York City history, according to the city’s Board of Elections.

The final day of early voting, Sunday, saw an impressive 151,000 voters take to the polls, the highest daily turnout since early voting began. Notably, the number of voters under 35 surged, surpassing all under-35 votes cast during the first weekend combined. This surge in youth participation is critical, bringing the median age of early voters down to 50.

Early voting trends shifted dramatically from the beginning of the week. Initially, only 80,000 voters under 35 had participated from Sunday to Thursday. However, from Friday to Sunday, that number skyrocketed, with over 100,000 younger voters casting their ballots, including more than 45,000 on Sunday alone.

The stakes are high in this closely watched mayoral race, where Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee, is leading against rivals Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa. Early voting this year far surpasses the 170,000 early votes cast in the 2021 mayoral election, which was less competitive. In that race, Mayor Eric Adams won decisively, capturing more than double the votes of his nearest competitor.

While this year’s early in-person turnout is lower than last year’s presidential election, which recorded over a million early votes, the significant increase in younger voters is noteworthy. Historically, early voters tend to be older than the general electorate. However, this trend appears to be shifting.

The early voting numbers also highlight a stark contrast to the 2022 midterm elections, when approximately 433,000 early ballots were cast, predominantly by voters over 55. The current median age of early voters has now dropped to 50, reflecting a younger electorate that could influence the outcome of this election.

As the election approaches, the focus will remain on how this surge in early voting, particularly among younger demographics, will affect voter turnout on Election Day. Experts suggest that if this trend continues, it could reshape the political landscape in New York City.

Officials urge all eligible voters to make their voices heard, emphasizing the importance of participation in shaping the city’s future. With a few days left until the election, the eyes of New Yorkers and political analysts alike are on the polls as they brace for what could be a transformative election.

Stay tuned for updates as the situation develops and as voters head to the polls on Election Day this Tuesday.