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As Election Day approaches, early voting in New York City has seen a significant increase in participation, with approximately 300,000 residents casting their ballots in the first four days. This turnout is more than five times higher than the same period in 2021. Early voting will continue through Sunday, with polls reopening on Election Day next Tuesday.
The surge in early voting has been driven largely by older voters. According to data, nearly 60% of early ballots were cast by individuals aged 50 and older, a demographic that tends to favor moderate candidates like former Governor Andrew Cuomo. The New York Post reports that this trend could pose a challenge for Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, who relies on support from younger voters.
Despite the increase in older voter turnout, younger voters remain a crucial demographic. Gothamist notes that in the primary elections, younger voters played a significant role, and their participation in the general election could still impact the results.
The current election cycle has seen a notable rise in civic engagement across New York City. NYC Votes highlighted that voter registration and turnout have reached new highs, with young voters leading the charge. As the city heads into the final days before the election, the momentum of early voting is expected to continue, potentially shaping the outcome of the mayoral race.
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