Fact Check: "Early voting in NYC more than doubled compared to 2021 primary."
What We Know
In the recent 2025 New York City mayoral primary, early voting turnout saw a significant increase compared to the 2021 primary. According to preliminary data from the New York City Board of Elections, 384,388 voters participated in early voting for the 2025 primary, compared to 190,744 early voters in 2021. This indicates that early voting more than doubled, with an increase of approximately 101% (The New York Times, amNY).
The increase in early voting is attributed to several factors, including greater familiarity with the early voting process, which was first implemented in New York City in 2019, and heightened awareness campaigns encouraging voters to participate early (The New York Times). The 2021 primary was notably affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a reliance on absentee ballots rather than in-person early voting (amNY).
Analysis
The claim that early voting in NYC more than doubled compared to the 2021 primary is supported by credible data from the New York City Board of Elections and reported by reputable sources such as The New York Times and amNY. Both sources confirm the numbers provided and highlight the context surrounding the increase, including the impact of the pandemic on previous voting behaviors.
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations known for their journalistic integrity. The New York Times, in particular, has a long-standing reputation for thorough reporting on political matters, while amNY focuses on local news in New York City, providing timely updates on elections and voter turnout.
Furthermore, the analysis from the CUNY Center for Urban Research, which noted that nearly a quarter of early voters had not participated in a Democratic primary since before 2012, adds depth to the understanding of the demographic shifts in voter engagement (The New York Times). This suggests that the increase in early voting may also reflect a broader trend of increased political engagement among younger voters.
Conclusion
The claim that early voting in New York City more than doubled compared to the 2021 primary is True. The data clearly shows that early voting participation increased from 190,744 in 2021 to 384,388 in 2025, confirming that the turnout more than doubled. This increase is attributed to a combination of factors, including greater public awareness and changing voter habits post-pandemic.
