NYC Mayor’s Race: 3 Things to Know + a 5-Minute Voter Plan

Three names will be on every NYC ballot for mayor next week. Here’s who’s running, when to vote (including early voting), and a super-quick plan so you’re ready in five minutes.

TL;DR

• Who’s on the ballot: Zohran Mamdani (D), Andrew Cuomo (Independent), Curtis Sliwa (R). (NY1)

• When to vote: Early voting is underway now; Election Day is Tuesday, Nov 4 (polls 6 AM–9 PM). (NY1)

• How to prep fast: Find your poll site + sample ballot at NYC Votes and watch (or skim) a debate highlight. (NYC Votes)

1) Who’s running (one-liners)

• Zohran Mamdani (Democrat): Queens assemblymember; platform centers on housing costs and equity. (NY1)

• Andrew Cuomo (Independent): Former NY governor running outside the parties; pitching experience/competence. (NBC New York)

• Curtis Sliwa (Republican): Guardian Angels founder; emphasizes public safety and quality-of-life issues. (NY1)

Want quick context? Skim a reputable recap or watch a debate segment: NY1 full debate or NBC 4 highlights/full video. (NY1)

2) Key dates & basics

• Early voting: Open now; check your specific site/hours before you go. (NY1)

• Election Day: Tuesday, November 4 — polls open 6 AM–9 PM. If you’re in line by 9 PM, you can vote. (NYC311)

Find everything official (poll site, hours, ballot): NYC Votes and the NYC Board of Elections. (NYC Votes)

3) Your 5-Minute Voter Plan (do this now)

1. Look up your poll site & sample ballot (takes ~60s). (NYC Votes)

2. Pick a time to vote (add it to your calendar with the address). Nov 4, 6 AM–9 PM window. (NYC311)

3. Skim one debate recap or clip so you’re clear on contrasts. (Try NY1 full debate or NBC’s rundown.) (NY1)

4. Plan your ID/transport (MetroCard charged? bike lock?).

5. Invite one friend: “Voting Tuesday after work—want to meet at 6:30?”

If you’re undecided (3 quick questions)

• Which candidate’s plan best addresses your top cost-of-living pain? (Rent, transit, groceries.)

• Whose approach to public safety + civil liberties matches your values?

• Who seems most credible on day-one operations (budgets, agencies, crisis mgmt)?

Watch 5 minutes, not 50: pick an opening statement and one segment on your top issue. (NY1)

How to watch/skim fast

• NY1: Full debate video (jump by chapter). (NY1)

• NBC 4: Key moments + full video (good if you want highlights first). (NBC New York)

Localize it (official links)

• Find your ballot & poll site: NYC Votes. (NYC Votes)

• Board of Elections info: hours, vote options, and notices. (NYC Board of Elections)

• Election Day basics (hours/rules): NYC 311 voter page. (NYC311)

Notes & disclaimer

This guide is informational, not legal advice. Always rely on official NYC sources for deadlines, sites, and rules. (NYC Votes)

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