Early voting in New York for the 2025 primary has seen an impressive increase, with participation doubling compared to four years ago, according to data from the city’s election commission.
This significant 50% rise points to an intense Democratic mayoral primary, indicating a close race between Andrew Cuomo and his challenger, Zoran Mamdani.
Data reveals that around 94,000 New Yorkers cast their votes in the first three days of early voting, up from just 44,000 during the same period in 2021.
Interestingly, Brooklyn has taken the lead in early voting this year, while in 2021, Manhattan was at the forefront.
Younger voters, those under 44, comprised a substantial 45% of all votes, which could bode well for Mamdani, who positions himself as a left-wing candidate appealing to a younger audience.
“F-K Andrew Cuomo,” shouted Maia Villalva, 23, at a polling location near South Bridge Tower in the financial district. Her comments reflected her support for Mamdani, who she believes aligns better with progressive values.
Conversely, 79-year-old Anne Mankenbach expressed her admiration for Cuomo despite his past controversies. “He’s tough, but he gets results,” she said at a voting site on the Upper West Side. “He definitely has a certain charm.”
During the early voting period from June 14th to June 22nd, roughly 94,000 eligible voters in major Apple regions are anticipated to make their voices heard in this electoral cycle.
Stella Saint-Claire, 38, a nail artist who cast her vote at the Williamsburg Community Center, described herself as “politically incompetent.” She chose Mamdani largely based on recommendations from friends and his promise of affordable housing as a democratic socialist candidate. “Politics is just really confusing to me,” she admitted, but seemed aware of the importance of her participation.
Interestingly, Saint-Claire, also in a band, noted that one of their final shows features a chant about wanting “someone other than who.”
Mankenbach indicated that while Cuomo was her first choice, she considered City Comptroller Brad Lander for second place, following behind Mamdani. She even consulted friends for guidance on her ballot. “We share a glass of wine and dive right into discussing politics,” she shared.
