Early voting starts for New York mayor and New Jersey governor races

NEW YORK: Voting started on Saturday for two major elections in the U.S. the New York City mayor’s race and the New Jersey governor’s election.

In New York City, voters are choosing between Zohran Mamdani, a Democrat; Curtis Sliwa, a Republican; and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is running as an independent.

The current mayor, Eric Adams, is also on the ballot but dropped out of the race last month and has since endorsed Cuomo.

In New Jersey, the race for governor is between Jack Ciattarelli, a Republican state Assemblyman, and Mikie Sherrill, a Democratic U.S. Representative.

New York introduced early voting in 2019, and it has become quite popular. About 35% of votes were cast early in June’s mayoral primary. New Jersey began early voting in 2021.

These off-year elections in neighboring states are being closely watched by political experts, who say they could indicate the direction of the Democratic Party as it prepares to challenge Donald Trump and his policies.

According to political analyst Ashley Koning from Rutgers University, “New York City pits the progressive wing against the establishment old guard in Mamdani versus Cuomo, while New Jersey is banking on moderate candidate Mikie Sherrill to appeal to its broad middle.”

Mamdani, known for his progressive agenda, has gained support from liberal voters with his ideas like free child care, free public buses, and a rent freeze for about 1 million rent-regulated apartments.

Cuomo has criticized Mamdani’s plans as unrealistic and too costly, highlighting his own experience as a former governor. He stepped down in 2021 after facing multiple allegations of sexual harassment.

The race has also been marked by controversy over Mamdani’s criticism of Israel. He has called Israel’s military actions in Gaza genocide, while Cuomo and Sliwa have accused him of promoting antisemitism. Mamdani has faced anti-Muslim comments during the campaign but continues to focus on his progressive message.

In New Jersey, Sherrill and Ciattarelli have debated over federal issues, Trump’s policies, and the state’s high cost of living. The winner will replace Phil Murphy, the current Democratic governor who cannot run again.

Meanwhile, early voting has also started in Virginia, where voters are choosing between Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat, and Winsome Earle-Sears, a Republican. One of them will become Virginia’s first female governor.

Early voting will continue until November 2 in New York and New Jersey, and Election Day for all three states is on November 4.

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