Key Highlights
- Early voting began on Saturday for the New York City mayor’s race and New Jersey governor’s race.
- The candidates in the New York City mayoral race include Zohran Mamdani, Curtis Sliwa, Andrew Cuomo (independent), and Eric Adams (dropped out).
- In the New Jersey gubernatorial race, Jack Ciattarelli and Mikie Sherrill are competing.
- Democrats are using these off-year elections to gauge voter sentiment ahead of 2026 midterms.
Election Timeline for 2025: Early Voting in New York City and New Jersey
Polling places opened on Saturday, October 25, 2025, marking the start of early voting for two significant off-year elections. These races, which span across New York City and New Jersey, are crucial tests for Democratic Party leaders as they strategize for upcoming midterm elections.
New York City Mayor’s Race: A Battle Between Progressive and Establishment
In New York City, voters have a choice between four candidates. Zohran Mamdani represents the progressive wing with his proposals such as universal free child care, free buses, and rent freeze policies for approximately 1 million rent-regulated apartments. Republican Curtis Sliwa is the founder of the Guardian Angels public safety patrol group.
Former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who recently dropped out of the race, has endorsed Mamdani. However, Cuomo faces criticism from Alix Mondesir, a registered Democrat, who voted for Cuomo based on his experience as governor.
“The bottom line is we can’t go on hopes. We have to go on someone that shows that they can handle the budget, that they’ve been in the fire and that they’ve survived,” said Mondesir, emphasizing Cuomo’s track record over Mamdani’s idealism.
New Jersey Governor’s Race: Mikie Sherrill vs Jack Ciattarelli
The New Jersey gubernatorial race features Republican state Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli and Democratic U.S. Representative Mikie Sherrill. These candidates are facing off in their final debate, addressing issues such as the federal government shutdown, military records, Trump’s policies, and cost of living in the state.
These races are seen as key indicators for Democrats to understand voter preferences before the 2026 midterms. Ashley Koning, director of the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling at Rutgers University, notes that the elections highlight affordability issues and divisions within the Democratic Party.
Early Voting Statistics and Impact
New York City has allowed early voting since 2019, with significant participation. In June’s mayoral primary, about 35% of ballots were cast early and in person, according to the city’s campaign finance board. New Jersey adopted early voting in 2021.
These early voting trends suggest that voters are increasingly turning to early voting options for convenience and to avoid Election Day crowds. The success of these practices could influence future election strategies in both states.