What to know about voting in New York's mayoral race
Three names will appear on the mayoral ballot: Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, independent candidate and former governor Andrew Cuomo, and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa
After months of campaign promises, political rivalries and national attention, New York City's closely watched mayoral race is nearing its final stage as voters prepare to head to the polls on 4 November.
Early voting began today (25 October), meaning many New Yorkers may cast their ballots ahead of time.
In a recent report, Time magazine outlines key details about voter registration, polling schedules and the main contenders in the race.
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Registration and voting schedule
According to Time, the last day to register to vote — either in person or by mail — is 25 October.
Registration can be completed online, by mail or in person, while voters can also verify their registration status through the New York City Board of Elections website.
Early voting will run from 25 October to 2 November, with ballots accepted at early voting sites during that period or at election day polling stations until 9pm on 4 November.
The Time report notes that voting hours vary by day—some days from 9am to 5pm, others from 10am to 8pm—and advises voters to check hours carefully before visiting polling stations.
On election day, polls will be open from 6am to 9pm. Voters who are in line when polls close will still be permitted to cast their ballots.
The report adds that early voting sites may differ from election day polling locations, so voters are urged to confirm addresses before heading out.
Candidates and campaign landscape
Three names will appear on the mayoral ballot: Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, independent candidate and former governor Andrew Cuomo, and Republican nominee Curtis Sliwa, Time says.
Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, who was previously running as an independent, ended his re-election campaign last month and has since endorsed Cuomo—a significant reversal from his earlier criticism of the former governor.
According to Time, Mamdani, a 34-year-old state assembly member, secured an unexpected victory over Cuomo in the Democratic primary earlier this year, a result that drew national attention.
He now maintains a double-digit lead in recent polls and has campaigned on issues of affordability, advocating for measures such as free city buses, rent freezes and city-run grocery stores.
If elected, Mamdani would become New York City's first Muslim mayor.
Cuomo, meanwhile, is seeking to regain political footing by appealing to moderate Democrats, independents and Republicans.
The Time report notes that his campaign has focused heavily on public safety and combating antisemitism, while also attempting to portray Mamdani as inexperienced and too critical of law enforcement.
Tensions between the two front-runners have escalated in recent days.
In a radio interview, Cuomo appeared to agree with a host who suggested that Mamdani would "cheer" if a terrorist attack occurred in New York City.
Mamdani condemned the remark as "disgusting" and accused Cuomo of making "racist attacks," according to Time.
Mamdani has proposed creating a Department of Community Safety to prevent violence before it occurs, arguing that police resources are often used for issues better handled by other agencies.
Although he has faced criticism for earlier comments about the New York Police Department, Time says Mamdani has since clarified his intention to work with the force while pursuing broader safety reforms.
He has also rejected accusations of antisemitism over his criticism of Israel's war in Gaza, reiterating his opposition to antisemitism and his commitment to combating it if elected.
Cuomo's campaign has been dogged by controversy stemming from his 2021 resignation as governor after multiple women accused him of sexual harassment, allegations he continues to deny.
The Time report adds that Cuomo has also faced criticism for his administration's handling of data on Covid-19 deaths in nursing homes, though he has insisted that "no deaths were undercounted."
Republican candidate's position
According to Time, Curtis Sliwa, the founder of the Guardian Angels street patrol group, is the only Republican contender in the race.
His campaign, like Cuomo's, centres on improving public safety. Despite calls from some quarters to withdraw in order to consolidate opposition to Mamdani, Sliwa has refused to step aside.
As early voting begins and campaigning enters its final phase, Time reports that the contest has grown increasingly heated, reflecting deep political divides and competing visions for the future of the United States' largest city.
