Early voting NYC officially begins Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 9 a.m., giving New York City residents the opportunity to cast their ballots ahead of Election Day on November 4. This year’s early voting window runs through Sunday, November 2.
What You Need to Know: Early Voting Dates & Hours
The official early voting period for the city is as follows:
- Sat, Oct 25: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Sun, Oct 26: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Mon, Oct 27: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Tue, Oct 28: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Wed, Oct 29: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
- Thu, Oct 30: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Fri, Oct 31: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Sat, Nov 1: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Sun, Nov 2: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
These hours reflect official postings for the general election cycle. Polling locations may vary by borough or site, so checking ahead is wise.
How to Find Your Polling Site
Under the early-voting system in New York City, voters must check their assigned center. According to the city’s Board of Elections and Civic Engagement list:
- Visit the “Find My Poll Site” tool and input your address + ZIP code.
- Be aware: your early-voting location may differ from your Election Day site.
Registration & Mail Ballot Deadlines
- The deadline to apply online or by mail for an early mail ballot for the November general election is October 25, 2025.
- Voters can request ballots in person at their local Board of Elections area up to November 3, 2025.
- For in-person early voting, you must be a registered voter. Check your status ahead of time.
What’s on the Ballot & Why This Matters
Early voting NYC covers multiple city-wide and local races.
- The general election on November 4 includes a highly publicized mayoral race.
- Also on the ballot: City Comptroller, Public Advocate, Borough Presidents, District Attorneys, City Council members, and judicial candidates.
- In addition: Six ballot proposals covering topics such as housing and the timing of local elections.
Because early voting allows broader participation ahead of Election Day, this year’s expanded schedule reflects heightened interest from voters.
Trends from Earlier 2025 Primary Cycle
The 2025 primary cycle offers insight into voter behaviour in the city:
- During the primary, early voting began June 14 and ended June 22.
- In that period, more than 305,000 voters cast early ballots across NYC.
- The participation rate more than doubled compared to the 2021 primary.
- Young voters (under 44) comprised roughly 45 % of those early ballots.
These trends suggest that early voting NYC is increasingly a major component of civic engagement.
Important Tips for Voters in NYC
- Check your site: Even if you’ve voted in previous years, verify your early-voting location. It may have changed.
- Bring ID if needed: New York State law allows you to vote without ID if you gave ID when you registered. If not, you may vote via affidavit ballot.
- Plan your visit: Peak hours may form; going early or mid-day may shorten wait times.
- Time your trip: Hours vary each day — note the schedule above.
- Mail-ballot alternative: If you prefer not to vote in person, apply for the early mail ballot by October 25. Once you use that ballot you cannot vote in-person on a machine.
- Election Day fallback: If you miss early voting, in-person voting is still available on Tuesday, November 4. Polls open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. in NYC.
Why Early Voting NYC Matters More Than Ever
Early voting gives busy New Yorkers flexibility. With weekends and varied weekday hours, the system accommodates more schedules.
Furthermore, when early turnout is high, it may influence campaign dynamics and resource allocation. The strong early numbers in the spring primary cycle show voters are increasingly embracing the option.
For communities where travel to polling sites is a barrier, early voting can reduce congestion and provide more manageable access. And for voters motivated by particular issues (housing, crime, transit), early voting NYC offers a way to vote early and ensure your voice is heard.
Please share your experience or any questions around early voting NYC — your insight helps others stay informed and ready.