Empire State Review Team 
With Election Day less than a week away, New York City is preparing for what officials predict will be a record-breaking voter turnout. Over 1.2 million residents have already registered to vote, and early voting, which began on October 26, has seen strong participation.
Key races include the re-election bid of Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and several hotly contested City Council seats. Ballot initiatives on climate resilience funding and affordable housing are also driving interest.
The Board of Elections has added 150 new polling sites and extended early voting hours to accommodate demand. “Our priority is ensuring every voter has access to a smooth and secure voting process,” said Board of Elections Executive Director Michael Ryan.
Voter outreach campaigns, including multilingual ads and community events, have focused on historically low-turnout areas. Advocacy groups have also mobilized volunteers to help residents navigate registration and voting.
Mayor Eric Adams urged all eligible New Yorkers to participate. “Your voice matters, and your vote is your power,” he said during a Get Out the Vote rally in Brooklyn.
