Fact Check: Early voting in NYC mayoral race doubles compared to 2021.

Fact Check: Early Voting in NYC Mayoral Race Doubles Compared to 2021

What We Know

Recent reports indicate that early voting in New York City for the 2025 mayoral primary has indeed seen a significant increase compared to the 2021 elections. According to data from the New York City Board of Elections, early voter turnout has increased by 105% compared to the same period in the 2021 primaries, with 131,882 voters checking in at early voting sites as of June 17, 2025 (amNY). In contrast, only 64,288 voters had checked in by the same point in 2021 (amNY).

The increase in turnout has been particularly notable in Brooklyn and Manhattan, which reported the highest numbers of early voters, with Brooklyn leading at 47,052 check-ins (amNY). The early voting period for this year began on June 17 and will continue until June 22, 2025 (New York Post).

Analysis

The claim that early voting has doubled compared to 2021 is supported by multiple sources. The 105% increase in early voting turnout is a clear indicator of heightened voter engagement in the current mayoral race, which features a competitive Democratic primary (amNY). The New York Post also corroborates this information, noting that nearly 94,000 New Yorkers had cast ballots during the first three days of early voting, compared to 44,000 at the same point in 2021, which aligns with the reported doubling of turnout (New York Post).

However, it is important to consider the context of the 2021 elections. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected voting patterns, with many voters opting for mail-in or absentee ballots rather than in-person early voting (amNY). This context suggests that while the increase is substantial, it may not be solely indicative of a growing enthusiasm for voting but could also reflect a return to more traditional voting behaviors as pandemic-related restrictions have eased.

The sources used in this analysis are credible, with the New York City Board of Elections being the primary authority on voter turnout data. The amNY and New York Post articles provide timely reporting on the situation, although the latter is known for a more sensationalist approach, which could introduce some bias in framing the narrative around voter turnout.

Conclusion

The claim that early voting in the NYC mayoral race has doubled compared to 2021 is True. The data from the Board of Elections confirms a 105% increase in early voter turnout, reflecting a significant rise in civic engagement. While the context of the 2021 elections must be considered, the current figures are a clear indication of increased participation in the electoral process.