Boomers Boost Early Voting in NYC Mayor's Race, But Younger Voters Are Closing the Gap
The early voting numbers in New York City's mayoral election are painting a picture of an engaged electorate with older voters continuing to dominate the turnout. As of Tuesday, 297,718 people had cast their ballots, surpassing the total number of early voters during the entire nine-day period four years ago.
Voters aged 55 and above account for more than half of the early voting turnout, with those between 65 and 74 dominating the vote. However, younger voters are slowly but surely closing the gap, with nearly 18% of Tuesday's daily turnout coming from those in their 20s and 30s - a first-time feat this election cycle.
The shift in voter demographics has significant implications for the candidates vying for the top spot. Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee, has been buoyed by strong support from younger voters during the primary, but Andrew Cuomo's recent surge in early voting numbers suggests that older voters are starting to flock back into the race.
Cuomo supporters cite his experience and ability to tackle issues like antisemitism and rent control. On the other hand, Mamdani's campaign points to his focus on making the city more livable for New Yorkers, including free buses and a rent freeze for rent-stabilized tenants. However, some voters are skeptical about Mamdani's policies, with one supporter likening them to "Trumpian" promises.
As the election heats up, it remains to be seen whether younger voters will continue to close the gap or if older voters will maintain their dominance at the polls. With over 1 million votes cast so far, this is shaping up to be a generational battle for the top spot in NYC politics.
				
			The early voting numbers in New York City's mayoral election are painting a picture of an engaged electorate with older voters continuing to dominate the turnout. As of Tuesday, 297,718 people had cast their ballots, surpassing the total number of early voters during the entire nine-day period four years ago.
Voters aged 55 and above account for more than half of the early voting turnout, with those between 65 and 74 dominating the vote. However, younger voters are slowly but surely closing the gap, with nearly 18% of Tuesday's daily turnout coming from those in their 20s and 30s - a first-time feat this election cycle.
The shift in voter demographics has significant implications for the candidates vying for the top spot. Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic nominee, has been buoyed by strong support from younger voters during the primary, but Andrew Cuomo's recent surge in early voting numbers suggests that older voters are starting to flock back into the race.
Cuomo supporters cite his experience and ability to tackle issues like antisemitism and rent control. On the other hand, Mamdani's campaign points to his focus on making the city more livable for New Yorkers, including free buses and a rent freeze for rent-stabilized tenants. However, some voters are skeptical about Mamdani's policies, with one supporter likening them to "Trumpian" promises.
As the election heats up, it remains to be seen whether younger voters will continue to close the gap or if older voters will maintain their dominance at the polls. With over 1 million votes cast so far, this is shaping up to be a generational battle for the top spot in NYC politics.
 and it made me wonder how do we even do that? like I have to figure out if I can vote early or not and what dates are available... is it online? can I do it at the library?
 and it made me wonder how do we even do that? like I have to figure out if I can vote early or not and what dates are available... is it online? can I do it at the library? 
 does anyone use those paper ballots anymore?
 does anyone use those paper ballots anymore? And I gotta say, it's awesome to see younger voters closing the gap with their older counterparts. I mean, 18% of 20-30 somethings showing up to vote is a big deal!
 And I gotta say, it's awesome to see younger voters closing the gap with their older counterparts. I mean, 18% of 20-30 somethings showing up to vote is a big deal!  It's like they're finally getting the message that their voices matter too.
 It's like they're finally getting the message that their voices matter too. I personally think Mamdani's focus on making NYC more livable is a game-changer – free buses and rent freezes for rent-stabilized tenants?
 I personally think Mamdani's focus on making NYC more livable is a game-changer – free buses and rent freezes for rent-stabilized tenants? 
 That sounds like a dream come true!
 That sounds like a dream come true! Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure – this election is shaping up to be EPIC!
 Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure – this election is shaping up to be EPIC! 
 . Can't we get a more mobile-friendly design? Like, come on 2025 and we're still using that clunky old layout
. Can't we get a more mobile-friendly design? Like, come on 2025 and we're still using that clunky old layout  . And don't even get me started on the notifications, they're always so loud and intrusive. Can't they just chill for a sec
. And don't even get me started on the notifications, they're always so loud and intrusive. Can't they just chill for a sec  .
. . But at the same time, it's also kinda weird that Cuomo's experience is being cited as a pro. Like, isn't he like, 60 or something? Shouldn't we be looking for more diversity in leadership positions?
. But at the same time, it's also kinda weird that Cuomo's experience is being cited as a pro. Like, isn't he like, 60 or something? Shouldn't we be looking for more diversity in leadership positions?  . Oh well, I guess that's just the state of politics nowadays
. Oh well, I guess that's just the state of politics nowadays  .
. .
. ) is really resonating with younger voters who want change. They're not just going to vote for whoever has experience or a fancy title... they want someone who's got their backs
) is really resonating with younger voters who want change. They're not just going to vote for whoever has experience or a fancy title... they want someone who's got their backs 
 . However, at the same time, its also concerning to see some of Mamdani's policies being likened to Trumpian promises
. However, at the same time, its also concerning to see some of Mamdani's policies being likened to Trumpian promises  .
. . The older crowd might be holding on tight, but I wouldn't count on it... they're probably just trying to hold onto power
. The older crowd might be holding on tight, but I wouldn't count on it... they're probably just trying to hold onto power  .
. Like, free buses are a pretty big deal for me, tbh!
 Like, free buses are a pretty big deal for me, tbh! 
 . I'm curious to see how this generational battle plays out - will it be a traditional candidate vs challenger or something entirely different? And what about all those undecided voters...
. I'm curious to see how this generational battle plays out - will it be a traditional candidate vs challenger or something entirely different? And what about all those undecided voters... 

 . The fact that they're not just going through the motions but actually caring about issues like rent control and affordable buses is awesome
. The fact that they're not just going through the motions but actually caring about issues like rent control and affordable buses is awesome  . Can't wait to see how this election plays out!
. Can't wait to see how this election plays out! 
 . Those free buses and rent freeze sounds like a no-brainer, but at the same time, some people might be thinking "ok, this is just another election promise"
. Those free buses and rent freeze sounds like a no-brainer, but at the same time, some people might be thinking "ok, this is just another election promise"  . Cuomo's got experience on his side, but it's gonna be tough to win over voters who are worried about affordability
. Cuomo's got experience on his side, but it's gonna be tough to win over voters who are worried about affordability  ! It's about time younger voters got more involved and started making their voices heard. The fact that 18% of Tuesday's early voting turnout is from people in their 20s & 30s is a huge deal - it shows they're not just tuning out, but are actually engaging with the process.
! It's about time younger voters got more involved and started making their voices heard. The fact that 18% of Tuesday's early voting turnout is from people in their 20s & 30s is a huge deal - it shows they're not just tuning out, but are actually engaging with the process. It's like they're getting more engaged, but maybe not as consistent?
 It's like they're getting more engaged, but maybe not as consistent?  . And Cuomo's experience is definitely an asset, but can he connect with the younger crowd more?
. And Cuomo's experience is definitely an asset, but can he connect with the younger crowd more?