Record Early Voting Turnout in NYC: Is it Trump or Harris?

Record-Breaking Early Voting in NYC: Trump and Harris Supporters Flood Polls

New Yorkers turned out in record numbers for the first day of early voting on Saturday, with the presidential race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris taking center stage. Over 140,000 voters cast ballots in NYC alone, marking the highest early voting turnout in the state's history.

Trump Supporters Rally in Queens

Long lines and hour-long waits were reported at polling sites across the city. In Whitestone, Queens, over 800 voters had already cast ballots by noon, many openly supporting Trump's bid for re-election. One voter, Marie Ragonese, stated, “We are voting for Donald Trump because we want to change the way this country has been run.”

Harris Supporters Gather in Harlem

However, in Manhattan, many voters expressed their support for Harris at polling sites like the Metropolitan Museum of Art. One voter, Rosa Heyman, said, “Everyone should vote. It’s really important to vote in this one in particular… The stakes are very high.”

Early Voting Trends: Republican Surge

While New York is not considered a swing state, the early voting trends suggest a surge in Republican ballots cast in key battleground states compared to previous elections. Trump's campaign remains cautiously optimistic about his chances of defeating Harris and winning back the presidency.

New York State Ballot Measures: Abortion and City Charter

New York voters will also be deciding on a controversial amendment to the state constitution, known as “Proposal 1,” which supporters claim is necessary to permanently protect abortion rights statewide. Opponents, however, argue that the amendment's language is vague and could lead to unforeseen consequences.

NYC residents will also be voting on five ballot proposals aimed at modifying the City Charter. These measures, designed by a Charter Revision Commission appointed by Mayor Adams, aim to streamline government operations, but critics say they are designed to weaken the City Council and enhance mayoral control over city governance.

Key Races to Watch: Senate and House

While U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) is a favorite to defeat Republican challenger Mike Sapraicone, several competitive House races remain on the ballot. The outcome of these races could potentially determine whether Republicans maintain control of the House.

Election Day Registration Deadline

For voters who prefer to wait until Election Day, the registration deadline in NYC is Saturday, Oct. 26. Early voting in New Jersey also began on Saturday and runs through Nov. 3.