Early Voting in NYC Begins Today: Key Dates, Polling Locations & Must-Know Tips for 2025 Election

New Yorkers are flocking to the polls long before Election Day, and the 2025 General Election is on track to set a record for early participation. Early Voting Turnout Surges Past 480,000 According to the NYC Board of Elections, 480,338 voters had already checked in by the close of polls on Day 7 (October 31). Brooklyn leads with 156,390 ballots cast, followed by Manhattan (144,269), Queens (107,743), the Bronx (37,830) and Staten Island (34,106). With three days of early voting left, officials say the city is poised to eclipse the 2021 mayoral cycle’s total and could approach the half-million mark before Election Day. Key Dates & Hours for Early Voting • Saturday, October 25 – Sunday, November 2 • Weekday hours vary: 9 AM–5 PM most days; extended 10 AM–8 PM hours on Oct 28-29; shortened 8 AM–4 PM on Oct 31 • Weekend hours: 9 AM–5 PM both Saturdays and Sundays Where to Go Your early-voting location may differ from your usual Election Day site. Confirm before you leave by entering your address at FindMyPollSite.vote.nyc. All sites are ADA compliant, and language assistance is available in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Bengali and more. What’s on the Ballot Citywide offices—including the hotly watched mayoral race—City Council seats, five ballot proposals on affordable housing, and several judicial contests headline this year’s ballot. Ranked-choice voting rules apply to municipal offices, so voters can rank up to five candidates. Why Early Voting Matters • Shorter lines: Voters report average wait times under 10 minutes at most locations. • Flexible scheduling: Night hours on Tuesday and Wednesday accommodate commuters. • Fewer last-minute surprises: Avoid Election Day delays due to bad weather or transit issues. How to Vote Early by Mail Every registered voter can now request an Early Mail Ballot under the New York Early Mail Voter Act—no excuse needed. Apply online or by mail by October 25; in person by November 3. Completed ballots must be postmarked by Election Day or dropped at any poll site’s secure box. ID & Accessibility No photo ID is required unless you are voting in person for the first time and did not provide ID when you registered. Curbside assistance, ballot marking devices and accessible absentee ballots are available for voters with disabilities. Real-Time Updates Early-turnout numbers are refreshed nightly on the Board of Elections website. Election analysts note that the current pace is running 24 percent ahead of 2021, with the sharpest growth among voters aged 18-34, a cohort that has doubled its share of early ballots compared with the last citywide contest. Pro Tips for a Smooth Trip • Check your site and hours the night before—they can change for staffing or safety reasons. • Mark your sample ballot at home to save time in the booth. • Bring a mask if you prefer extra protection; hand sanitizer is provided on-site. • Snap a selfie with NYC’s limited-edition Halloween “I Voted” sticker—available only through November 2. Important Deadlines at a Glance • Oct 25: Last day to request Early Mail Ballot online/by mail • Nov 2: Final day of in-person early voting (polls close 5 PM) • Nov 3: Last day to apply in person for Early Mail Ballot • Nov 4: Election Day, in-person voting 6 AM–9 PM SEO FAQ Section Q: When does early voting start in NYC? A: Early voting started Saturday, October 25, 2025 and runs through Sunday, November 2, 2025. Q: What time do NYC early voting sites open? A: Most days 9 AM; check Tuesday/Wednesday extended hours (10 AM–8 PM) and Friday’s 8 AM opening. Q: How can I find my NYC early voting location? A: Use the official poll site locator at FindMyPollSite.vote.nyc. Q: Do I need ID to vote early in New York City? A: Only if you are a first-time voter who did not provide ID when registering. Q: Can I still vote by mail in NYC? A: Yes. Any voter can request an Early Mail Ballot without an excuse; apply by October 25 online or by mail. Take advantage of the convenience, skip the Election Day crowds, and make your voice heard in the 2025 NYC General Election—before November 4 even arrives.