N.Y.C. Early Voting Ends With 735,000 Ballots Cast

The early voting period for New York City’s 2025 mayoral election has closed, and the numbers have surpassed all expectations. Election officials confirmed that 735,317 ballots were cast during the nine-day in-person early voting window, marking a record-breaking level of civic engagement and signaling what could be one of the most consequential mayoral contests in decades.

This surge in early turnout is being described as historic. It represents more than four times the number of early votes cast in the 2021 mayoral race, reflecting both a stronger mobilisation effort by campaigns and a heightened level of public interest in the direction of the city’s leadership. The impressive figure also sets the tone for Election Day, as New Yorkers prepare to decide between three major candidates — Democrat Zohran Mamdani, independent Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa — in a race that has captured national attention.

According to officials from the New York City Board of Elections, early voting turnout remained robust across all boroughs, with Brooklyn recording the highest number of early ballots, followed by Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. Brooklyn’s dense mix of young professionals and long-term residents appears to have been a driving factor behind the high participation, particularly among voters under the age of 40.

Demographic data released after the early voting period shows that 56 percent of early voters were 55 years old or younger, while voters aged 25 to 34 made up roughly 20 percent of the total. This influx of younger voters has drawn attention because it could significantly influence the balance of the race, especially since younger demographics have leaned toward progressive candidates in recent election cycles.

For Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic state assemblyman from Queens and a leading progressive voice in the race, the turnout pattern is encouraging. Mamdani’s campaign has built its message around affordability, housing, climate resilience, and equity, appealing directly to younger voters and working-class residents who feel disconnected from traditional city politics. His campaign volunteers have been among the most active on the ground, focusing heavily on door-to-door outreach, college campuses, and tenant association meetings.

Andrew Cuomo, the former New York governor running as an independent, has positioned himself as a pragmatic centrist, arguing that his experience in government makes him best suited to steer the city through its economic and public safety challenges. Cuomo’s team has relied on established political networks and older voter bases, particularly in Manhattan and parts of the Bronx, where he remains a familiar and trusted figure.

Curtis Sliwa, the Republican candidate and founder of the Guardian Angels, has centered his campaign on public safety, crime prevention, and conservative fiscal management. While Sliwa’s campaign has polled behind Mamdani and Cuomo, his support among law enforcement groups and outer-borough conservatives has remained steady.

With early voting now concluded, the focus shifts toward Election Day, which will determine the next mayor of the nation’s largest city. Political analysts suggest that the unusually high early turnout is both a sign of enthusiasm and a source of uncertainty. Historically, large turnouts in New York City elections have tended to favor Democratic candidates, but the multi-way dynamic of this year’s race makes predictions less straightforward.

The latest early-voting data offers a snapshot of how engaged each borough has been and how demographic changes are reshaping the political map. Brooklyn’s turnout surge has been particularly striking, accounting for nearly one-third of all early ballots cast. Manhattan followed closely, driven by strong participation among both long-time residents and new urban professionals. Queens and the Bronx showed solid gains compared to 2021, while Staten Island’s turnout remained consistent with past trends.

Election officials attribute the record turnout partly to improved accessibility and expanded voting hours. More polling sites were opened across the five boroughs this year, and local campaigns have heavily promoted early voting through digital platforms and community organizations. Voters reported shorter wait times and smoother check-in procedures compared to previous cycles.

For Mamdani’s campaign, these numbers align with its grassroots strategy. His volunteers have worked to energize renters, students, and workers in the service sector — groups that often face obstacles in voting on Election Day. Cuomo’s campaign, on the other hand, has targeted middle-aged and senior voters who prefer in-person voting and are more likely to vote early. Sliwa’s efforts have focused on mobilizing conservative enclaves in Staten Island and parts of Queens.

The early-voting outcome also reflects an underlying shift in civic engagement. Political observers note that after years of frustration over affordability, housing crises, and crime concerns, New Yorkers appear more determined than ever to shape the city’s future direction. This enthusiasm could carry through Election Day and lead to overall turnout reaching as high as 1.5 to 2 million total votes — a rare figure for an off-year municipal election.

Still, early voting totals are only one piece of the puzzle. Mail-in ballots, same-day voters, and absentee submissions could still significantly influence the final outcome. The Board of Elections expects a steady flow of absentee ballots over the coming days, which will be counted after Election Day in accordance with state procedures.

In the meantime, the campaigns have shifted into their final phase. Mamdani’s team plans to sustain its momentum with citywide rallies and neighborhood canvassing drives, aiming to maintain enthusiasm among young and first-time voters. Cuomo’s campaign is focusing on late-deciding moderates, emphasizing leadership experience and bipartisan credibility. Sliwa, known for his energetic campaigning, continues to stress law and order while courting working-class voters who feel underserved by the political establishment.

Here is a scorecard summarizing the key aspects of the early-voting phase:

N.Y.C. Early Voting 2025 — Scorecard

• Total ballots cast (early voting): 735,317

• Duration: Nine days of in-person early voting

• Borough turnout leaders: Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island

• Demographic breakdown: 56% of voters aged 55 and under; 20% between 25–34 years

• Early-voting increase: Over four times higher than in the 2021 mayoral early-voting period

• Estimated total turnout projection (all ballots): 1.5 to 2 million

• Main candidates: Zohran Mamdani (Democrat), Andrew Cuomo (Independent), Curtis Sliwa (Republican)

• Key issues: Housing affordability, public safety, cost of living, infrastructure, governance experience

As of now, Mamdani appears to hold a narrow lead in public polling, though Cuomo remains within striking distance. Sliwa’s campaign trails, but his appeal among specific borough demographics could play a spoiler role if margins tighten. Political experts caution against reading too much into early voting figures, emphasizing that New York City’s elections have a long history of late-breaking shifts and surprises.

The sheer number of early votes, however, does indicate a motivated electorate. Voters across all boroughs expressed a strong desire for change — whether that means new leadership or a return to experienced governance remains to be seen. Many cited concerns over housing prices, transportation costs, and crime as top motivators for voting early.

In the final hours before Election Day, campaigns will be judged by their ability to convert enthusiasm into actual ballots. Each candidate faces distinct challenges: Mamdani must maintain momentum while defending against attacks on experience; Cuomo must energize moderates without alienating independents; Sliwa must expand his base beyond traditional Republican voters to remain viable.

As voting locations prepare for the final day, the record-breaking early turnout has already made history. It shows a New York electorate that is reengaged and reenergized — one that is ready to shape its own narrative about the city’s identity and priorities. Whether this surge benefits progressives, centrists, or conservatives will soon be clear, but for now, one fact is indisputable: more New Yorkers than ever before have already had their say.

The 2025 New York City mayoral election has entered its decisive stage with the energy of a presidential campaign. The final vote count may still be days away, but the story of early voting is already a milestone — one that reflects a city that remains deeply invested in its future and in the power of its collective voice.

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