Early voting has come to a close in New York City, with a record-breaking number of over a million residents participating in the early voting process. The polls closed at 5 p.m. on Sunday after nine days of early voting, marking a significant turnout for the city.
According to the city’s Board of Elections, over a million early votes had been cast by just 10:30 a.m. on Sunday. This number represents more than 20% of the active registered voters in the five boroughs, as reported by the state voter rolls. This demonstrates a strong engagement in the democratic process by the residents of New York City.
The option for early voting was legalized in New York in 2019 and was implemented in time for the 2020 election. While many New Yorkers opted for mail-in voting during the previous election due to the COVID-19 pandemic, early voting has now become a common practice in the state over the past four years. Despite the long lines that some voters may face, many find early voting to be convenient and preferable to waiting in line on Election Day.
One resident, Marceline Herrera Marsalis, shared her thoughts on the convenience of early voting, stating that it allows voters to take their time and avoid the rush of Election Day. This sentiment was echoed by other voters who appreciated the flexibility and ease of the early voting process.
As New Yorkers prepare for Election Day on Tuesday, where polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., voters will have the opportunity to participate in various races, including the presidential race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, as well as local races for Senate, House, State Senate, State Assembly, and judgeships. Additionally, there are six proposed referenda on the ballot for voters to consider.
Given the contentious nature of recent elections and the uncertainty that followed the previous presidential election, many New Yorkers are bracing themselves for a potentially tumultuous election season. The events that unfolded after the last election, including attempts to challenge the results and the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, have left voters wary of the potential for unrest even after all the votes are counted.
It is important for voters to stay informed and engaged in the election process, regardless of the outcome. By finding their Election Day poll site and reviewing a sample ballot, voters can ensure that their voices are heard and that they play a vital role in shaping the future of their city and country.
