Early voting has commenced in New York and New Jersey on Saturday, October 25, as voters prepare to cast their ballots in crucial mayoral and gubernatorial races. The New York City mayoral race is drawing national attention, with former Governor Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent, and Democrat Zohran Mamdani as the leading contenders. Meanwhile, in New Jersey, Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli are locked in an intense governor race, with current Governor Phil Murphy set to leave office in January.
In New York, the New York State Board of Elections has set up a nine-day early voting period that runs from October 25 to November 2. This period allows voters to cast their ballots in person, a significant development in the lead-up to Election Day. The race for mayor has been particularly contentious, with Mamdani, a progressive candidate, and Cuomo, a former governor with a controversial legacy, facing off. Recent developments include Mamdani securing an endorsement from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, which has bolstered his campaign, while Cuomo has received support from current Mayor Eric Adams.
Curtis Sliwa, the Republican candidate, has been under pressure to drop out of the race to increase his chances against Mamdani. However, Sliwa recently stated that he plans to vote on the first day of early voting, a move he believes will strengthen his position in the race. The race is expected to be highly contested, with national attention focused on the outcome.
In New Jersey, the Division of Elections has announced that every county will have designated in-person early voting locations from October 25 to November 2. The state passed historic legislation in 2021 that expanded early voting, making the state more voter-friendly. The governor’s race features Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat, and Jack Ciattarelli, a Republican, with both candidates claiming they are in a strong position as the election approaches.
The Justice Department has also sent federal election watchers to certain counties in New Jersey and California, a move that has raised questions about the role of federal oversight in state elections. The outcomes of these races could have significant implications for both states, shaping the political landscape for years to come.