US Politics

Early voting underway in New York, New Jersey amid hotly contested mayor and governor races

By Eric October 25, 2025

Early voting has officially kicked off in New York and New Jersey, setting the stage for pivotal elections in both states. Voters can cast their ballots in person from October 25 to November 2, leading up to the highly anticipated mayoral race in New York City and the gubernatorial contest in New Jersey. The New York State Board of Elections is encouraging participation, as the upcoming election is not just a local affair but has drawn national attention, particularly with the mayoral race featuring prominent candidates and significant endorsements. Democrat nominee Zohran Mamdani, who is leading in the polls, recently received the backing of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, while former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, now running as an independent, has garnered support from current Mayor Eric Adams. This endorsement landscape adds layers of complexity to an already contentious race, with Mamdani accusing Cuomo of using “Islamophobic rhetoric” as tensions rise.

In New Jersey, the political landscape is equally charged as Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli vie for the governorship, with current Governor Phil Murphy set to exit office in January. Both candidates are optimistic about their chances, with Sherrill expressing confidence in her polling results and Ciattarelli echoing a similar sentiment following campaign events. The early voting initiative, established by historic legislation in 2021, aims to make voting more accessible and bolster democratic participation in New Jersey. As voters head to the polls, the stakes are high, and the outcomes of these races could have significant implications for both states moving forward. The early voting period not only enhances voter access but also reflects a broader trend towards increasing electoral participation, making this election cycle one to watch closely.

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Early voting is now underway Saturday in New York and
New Jersey
with the public casting their ballots in the hotly contested races for New York City mayor and New Jersey governor.
The New York State Board of Elections said early voters are given nine days to vote in person prior to Election Day, starting on Oct. 25 and ending Nov. 2. The race to become the next mayor of the Big Apple is drawing national attention.
On Friday, Democrat mayoral nominee and frontrunner
Zohran Mamdani
scored an endorsement from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y. Earlier this week, former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent mayoral candidate, was formally endorsed by current New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
“Tomorrow, I vote on the first day of early voting,” Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa said Friday on ‘The Will Cain Show.’ “That should put a nail into the coffin for anybody who thinks I’m dropping out.”
MAMDANI ACCUSES CUOMO OF ‘ISLAMOPHOBIC RHETORIC’ AS CONTENTIOUS NYC MAYORAL RACE COMES DOWN TO THE WIRE
Sliwa has been facing pressure to drop out of the race to boost the chances of Cuomo defeating Mamdani.
Meanwhile, the New Jersey Division of Elections said every county in the state “will designate in-person early voting locations that will be open Saturday, October 25, 2025 – Sunday, November 2, 2025 (the in-person early voting period).”
“In 2021, historic legislation established in-person early voting in New Jersey. This law makes our state even more voter-friendly and strengthens our democracy by expanding opportunities to exercise your right to vote,” it added.
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In the Garden State,
Democrat Mikie Sherrill and Republican Jack Ciattarelli
are competing for the governorship. Current Democrat Gov. Phil Murphy is set to leave office in January.
“Our polling’s looking good. I think we’re feeling really good right now,” Sherrill touted as she
spoke with Fox News Digital
after headlining a major party gathering this week in this northern New Jersey township.
“I think we’re in a great position,” Ciattarelli also said in a Fox News interview after a campaign stop at a diner in Linden, N.J.
Fox News’ Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report.