Early Voting Surges in NYC: More Than 224,000 Ballots Cast in First Three Days

By the close of October 27, 2026 — the third day of early voting ahead of the November 3 general election — more than 224,000 New Yorkers had cast ballots across the five boroughs. Borough totals show Brooklyn leading with 64,556 votes, Queens at 54,595, Manhattan at 63,195, the Bronx at 23,685, and Staten Island at 18,863. The turnout pace roughly doubles what New York City saw during the same period in 2022. The surge is driven partly by the competitive gubernatorial race between Governor Hochul and Republican challenger Bruce Blakeman. On the opening day, October 25, 86,215 people cast ballots — a record for the first day of an early-voting period in the city. Election officials attribute the high turnout to expanded polling-site hours, increased public awareness, and enthusiasm for both the governor's race and down-ballot contests. Early voting continues through November 1.