Early Voting in NYC Mayor’s Race: Nearly 80,000 Cast Ballots Today
UPDATE: Early voting for the highly anticipated New York City mayoral race kicked off today, October 28, 2023, with nearly 80,000 voters already casting their ballots across all five boroughs. According to preliminary figures from the Board of Elections, this surge in participation underscores the urgency of this election.
Manhattan led the turnout with over 24,000 voters, followed closely by Brooklyn with just over 22,000, Queens at just over 19,000, the Bronx with nearly 8,000, and Staten Island with just under 6,500. Voters are expressing a clear sense of urgency, with many citing critical issues such as affordability, immigration, education, homelessness, crime, and policing as deciding factors that could impact their lives in the city.
Voter Lansana Keita from the Bronx shared his concerns about affordability, stating, “I have like five friends that already left New York because they couldn’t afford it. Depending on who won, I’m gonna stick it out for another year.” His sentiment reflects a broader anxiety among voters who feel the stakes of this election are immensely high.
Ballots also include six important questions addressing issues from affordable housing to the timing of local elections. Voters are determined to make their voices heard early, with Bronx resident Terri H. saying, “I don’t want the machines to be down on Election Day, so I get out here early.”
All three mayoral candidates were active today, making public appearances to rally support. Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa voted early, affirming, “Today, I cast my vote for myself and the Republican line, straight down the line.” He dismissed suggestions that he should drop out of the race.
Independent candidate Andrew Cuomo announced a significant endorsement from the United Clergy Coalition, stating, “You want to build affordable housing? Partner with the faith-based community.” His comments highlight a focus on collaboration to address pressing city needs.
Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani engaged with business leaders in Brooklyn, emphasizing the need for affordability in the nation’s most expensive city. “This is our opportunity, it continues to be one, to make the most expensive city in America affordable,” he stated.
As early voting continues, officials are urging all eligible New Yorkers to participate, citing this election as a pivotal moment for the city’s future. Voter engagement is crucial, with many agreeing that increased participation leads to better outcomes.
Stay tuned for more updates as we track the developments leading up to Election Day. The urgency of this race has never been clearer, and every vote counts.
