New York City is witnessing a remarkable surge in early voter turnout during the 2025 primary elections. According to the New York City Board of Elections (BOE), 168,723 New Yorkers have already cast their ballots within the first five days of early voting—more than double the early turnout seen during the same period in the 2021 primary.
This early enthusiasm signals strong civic engagement and growing interest in shaping the city’s leadership. With early voting still open through Saturday, June 22, and Primary Day on Tuesday, June 24, these numbers are expected to climb even higher.
Early Voting by Borough: Brooklyn Leads the Pack
Early voting statistics reflect notable engagement across all five boroughs. Brooklyn remains in the lead with 60,745 ballots cast in the first five days—more than one-third of the total early votes so far.
Here’s how the rest of the boroughs compare:
- Manhattan: 55,522 voters
- Queens: 33,245 voters
- The Bronx: 13,443 voters
- Staten Island: 5,768 voters
Brooklyn and Manhattan account for nearly 70% of all early votes cast, underscoring strong voter mobilization efforts in those areas.
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Early Voting Doubles Compared to 2021
The numbers released by the BOE highlight a significant increase in early voter participation. In fact, early voting in 2025 has more than doubled compared to the same timeframe in 2021.
As of Tuesday night, 131,882 ballots had been cast—well ahead of previous years. The surge may reflect heightened awareness about local issues, competitive races, and the increasing popularity of early voting and ranked-choice voting systems.
Why Early Voting Is Gaining Popularity
Several factors have contributed to the growing trend of early voting among New Yorkers:
- Convenience – Voters can choose from multiple days and locations to cast their ballots.
- Shorter Lines – Early voting typically means less congestion compared to Primary Day.
- Increased Awareness – Voter education campaigns and community outreach have helped inform the public about early voting options.
- Ranked-Choice Voting – Introduced in 2021, this system allows voters to rank candidates by preference, encouraging more participation.
How Long Is Early Voting Open in NYC?
Early voting for the 2025 primary runs through Saturday, June 22. Primary Day itself will be held on Tuesday, June 24. Voters can find their assigned poll sites and hours by visiting the official Board of Elections website or using NYC’s poll site locator tool.
Key Races and Issues on the 2025 Ballot
While much attention is focused on the mayoral race, the 2025 primary ballot also includes:
- City Council races
- Borough president contests
- Judicial and district attorney races
- Local propositions and referenda
These local offices directly impact neighborhood safety, development, public services, and education—making voter participation more important than ever.
A Closer Look at Ranked-Choice Voting
First introduced in NYC’s 2021 municipal elections, ranked-choice voting (RCV) is now a familiar part of the city’s democratic process. Here’s how it works:
- Voters can rank up to five candidates in order of preference.
- If no candidate wins more than 50% of the first-choice votes, the lowest-ranking candidates are eliminated.
- Votes are then redistributed based on next preferences until one candidate reaches a majority.
- RCV encourages more positive campaigning and gives voters more voice and flexibility in choosing their leaders.
How to Vote by Mail in New York City
For those unable to vote in person, absentee voting (vote-by-mail) remains a convenient and accessible option. Here’s how to request and submit your ballot:
- Request Deadline: Applications must be received by June 17 (online, by mail, fax, or email).
- Return Deadline: Ballots must be postmarked by June 24 and received by the BOE by July 2.
- Voters can also track their absentee ballot status online.
Voting by mail remains a critical tool for increasing voter participation, especially for seniors, people with disabilities, and those with conflicting schedules.
The Momentum Continues: Final Days to Vote Early
With several days remaining in the early voting period, turnout is expected to rise even higher. Civic organizations and candidates continue their outreach efforts to engage undecided voters and ensure all voices are heard before the June 24 deadline.
The BOE’s streamlined voting options—including in-person early voting, mail-in ballots, and ranked-choice voting—reflect an evolving electoral system designed to make democracy more accessible and inclusive for all New Yorkers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people have voted early so far in NYC?
As of the first five days, 168,723 New Yorkers have voted early in the 2025 primary election.
Which borough has the highest early voter turnout?
Brooklyn leads with over 60,000 early votes, followed by Manhattan with 55,522.
Is early voting still open in NYC?
Yes. Early voting continues through Saturday, June 22. Primary Day voting occurs on Tuesday, June 24.
Where can I find my early voting location?
Visit the NYC Board of Elections website or use the NYC poll site locator to find your assigned early voting site.
What is ranked-choice voting, and how does it work?
Ranked-choice voting allows voters to rank up to five candidates. If no candidate wins a majority, votes are redistributed until one does.
Can I still apply for an absentee ballot?
Yes, but requests must be submitted by June 17. Ballots must be postmarked by June 24 and received by July 2.
What races are on the ballot for the 2025 primary?
The 2025 primary includes mayoral, city council, borough president, and judicial races.
Where can I learn more about the candidates and issues?
Visit NY1’s voter guide or the NYC Board of Elections site for candidate profiles, ballot guides, and issue overviews.
Conclusion
The record-breaking turnout in the first week of early voting for the 2025 primary marks a hopeful moment for civic engagement in New York City. With more than 168,000 ballots already cast, voters are clearly motivated and informed. As the city prepares for the final days of early voting and Primary Day itself, this upward trend in participation underscores the importance of making voting easier, more transparent, and representative of the city’s vibrant and diverse communities.