Early voting in NYC's 2026 general election began Saturday. Polls opened for New York's races for governor, attorney general and Congress on the same day the deadline for new voter registration expires.
Election Day is Nov. 3, Gothamist reported. Voters will decide whether to give Gov. Kathy Hochul a second full term or replace her with Bruce Blakeman, the Republican Nassau County executive whom Gothamist describes as having close ties to President Donald Trump.
The opening of early voting starts a 10-day stretch of deadlines. It also tests two candidates who differ sharply on taxes, energy and the state's cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Early voting NYC schedule: key dates through Nov. 3
According to Gothamist's voter guide, these are the dates that matter:
- Oct. 24: In-person early voting begins. It is also the last day for new voter registration, either online or in person at a poll site.
- Nov. 2: Last day to apply in person for a mail or absentee ballot at a county Board of Elections office.
- Nov. 3: Election Day. Polls are open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by that date.
Early voting hours differ by day, so voters should check the schedule before heading out, Gothamist advised. The guide does not list the hours for each day.
Where to find early voting NYC locations
Voters can look up their polling site at vote.nyc. Gothamist noted that a voter's Election Day polling site is likely different from the site assigned for early voting. Voters who cast ballots early should not assume they will return to the same place if they wait until Nov. 3.
For those who have not yet registered, Saturday is the final opportunity. Registration can be completed online or in person at a poll site.
New York governor race: Hochul and Blakeman split on taxes, data centers and ICE
Hochul became the state's first female governor in 2021 after Andrew Cuomo's resignation. She previously served as lieutenant governor, U.S. representative and Erie County clerk.
Gothamist lists her policy priorities as universal childcare and building more housing. Hochul enacted a moratorium on large data centers and sent utility rebate checks of up to $200, according to the guide.
Blakeman was first elected Nassau County executive in 2021. He previously served as a Hempstead town councilmember and Port Authority commissioner.
His listed priorities are cutting income taxes and lowering utility bills. Gothamist reported that he opposes sanctuary policies that restrict the state's cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and that he opposes Hochul's data center moratorium. Gothamist's summary of Hochul's platform does not list a position on sanctuary policies.
"We can't afford four more years of Kathy Hochul," Blakeman said, as quoted by Gothamist.
James seeks to keep attorney general post after suing Trump administration
Attorney General Letitia James, in office since 2019, is seeking to keep her post. She previously served as New York City's public advocate, which made her the first Black woman to win and hold citywide office, and as a City Council member representing parts of Brooklyn.
Gothamist lists her priorities as a crackdown on illegal firearms and ghost guns, protecting immigrants' legal rights, and going after predatory lenders and mortgage providers. She has sued the Trump administration more than 50 times, according to the guide.
"No one is above the law, not even the President," James said, according to Gothamist.
Her challenger is a former assistant U.S. attorney in Brooklyn who, Gothamist reported, helped prosecute leaders of Al-Qaeda, Islamic State and Mexican drug cartels. The challenger also served as chief of staff of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration under the Biden administration. The challenger's priorities include more prosecution of street crime, such as shoplifting and drug trafficking, and auditing and investigating homeless shelters.
The state comptroller race is also on the ballot. Gothamist describes the incumbent as the second longest-serving comptroller in state history, first elected in 2007. The guide says the incumbent grew the pension fund to a historic high of $291 billion.
The challenger is described as a longtime Wall Street investor and a Cuban refugee who fled the country at age 7. That candidate has proposed a $10 billion "Empire Opportunity Fund" to invest in emerging businesses and industries.
In congressional contests, Gothamist profiles one candidate who led the battle to expand the state and local tax deduction. That candidate opposes sanctuary policies and supports reopening the Indian Point nuclear plant.
NYC ballot questions backed by Mayor Mamdani
New York City voters will also decide a series of ballot questions championed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The five questions appear on the back of the ballot, Gothamist reported. Voters who fill out only the front will skip them.
Gothamist's guide does not detail the five proposals and refers readers to a separate breakdown of each question.
Early voting continues until Election Day. Polls on Nov. 3 close at 9 p.m.