Early in-person voting has begun in New York City for one of this year’s most closely watched mayoral elections. The main contenders are Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist poised to become the city’s first Muslim mayor; Curtis Sliwa, a Republican candidate; and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent. Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams is not running this year and has recently thrown his support behind Cuomo.
Mamdani has gained popularity among progressive voters with proposals such as universal free childcare, free bus services, and a rent freeze for nearly one million rent-regulated apartments. During the campaign, he has faced anti-Muslim rhetoric and has criticized Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Cuomo, on the other hand, has described Mamdani’s policies as “economically unrealistic” and has emphasized his experience as the state’s governor to appeal to voters.
New York has allowed early voting since 2019, and in the June mayoral primary, roughly 35 percent of ballots were cast early in person.
