Early voting NYC: key dates, how to vote, and what to expect from the NYC mayoral election — plus early voting NJ details

New Yorkers are already casting ballots in the NYC mayoral election, with early voting NYC underway through the weekend before Election Day. Across the Hudson, early voting NJ is also open for the statewide ballot highlighted by the governor’s race. Here’s a clean, no-drama guide to when and where to vote, what’s on the ballot, and when NYC mayoral election results start to roll in.

Early voting NYC: when, where, and how

Window: Saturday, Oct. 25 – Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025
Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025 (polls 6 a.m.–9 p.m.)

• Assigned early site: In New York City, each voter is assigned one early voting location that may differ from your Election Day poll site.

• Hours: Early voting hours vary by day; evening options are included on multiple days to help commuters.

• Ballot style: You’ll mark a paper ballot and scan it on-site.

• ID rules: Most voters do not need to show ID. First-time voters who didn’t provide ID with registration may be asked for one or can vote by affidavit.

• Ranked-choice note: The general election for mayor uses single-choice voting. Ranked-choice applies only to NYC primaries and certain special elections.

What’s on the NYC ballot

• Mayor

• Public Advocate & Comptroller

• Borough Presidents and City Council

• District Attorneys (where applicable) & local judges

• Local ballot proposals (policy questions that can change city rules or timelines)

NYC mayoral election: candidates, turnout, and when results appear

The mayor’s race features three names on the citywide ballot. Early turnout through the first days has been strong, with tens of thousands already voting at early sites across the five boroughs.

When do results appear?

• Election Night (Nov. 4): Unofficial results begin after polls close at 9 p.m. and will include in-person votes cast on Election Day plus early voting machine totals.

• Mail ballots & affidavits: Valid mail ballots that arrive on time and affidavit ballots are added during the official canvass in the days that follow. Close contests can tighten or widen as those are counted.

• Certification: Final, certified results post after all legally cast ballots are reviewed and tabulated.

Early voting NJ: dates, hours, and how it works

Window: Saturday, Oct. 25 – Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025
Hours: Mon–Sat 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.; Sun 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025 (polls 6:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.)

• Choose any county site: New Jersey runs in-person vote centers in each county; voters can use any early voting site in their county.

• Machine voting: Ballots are cast on voting machines; results are included in unofficial Election Night totals.

• Vote-by-mail: Separate from in-person early voting; return by mail, secure drop box, or your county board by the listed deadlines (do not bring vote-by-mail to Election Day precincts).

• Accessibility: Every county must provide accessible equipment and assistance.

At-a-glance calendar: NYC & NJ

Smart tips to beat the rush

1. Confirm your site before you go. NYC assigns a specific early voting location; NJ lets you choose any site in your county.

2. Go off-peak. Mid-mornings and late afternoons on weekdays usually see shorter lines than weekends or after 6 p.m.

3. Bring the basics. A charged phone (for sample ballot and wait times), meds, water, and patience. If needed, ask for language assistance or curbside options where available.

4. Check your ballot twice. Review both sides before scanning (NYC) or casting (NJ).

5. Track your ballot. If you vote by mail in either state, use the tracking tools to confirm receipt and acceptance.

What could delay NYC mayoral election results

• High early/mail volume: Larger batches of timely mail ballots can extend the count.

• Affidavit review: Provisional/affidavit ballots are verified after Election Day.

• Close margins: If the mayor’s race is tight, certification may take additional days while every eligible ballot is processed.

If you’re searching early voting NYC, your window runs Oct. 25–Nov. 2, with the NYC mayoral election itself on Nov. 4 and initial NYC mayoral election results posting that night. For early voting NJ, the same Oct. 25–Nov. 2 window applies, with standardized hours and county vote centers. Make a plan, confirm your site, and vote early if you want to skip the Election Day rush.