Early voting starts in NYC mayoral race with Mamdani leading in polls - As-salamu alaykum
As-salamu alaykum. Polling places opened for early in-person voting in one of the most watched races of the year in the United States: the New York City mayoral contest.
Voters began choosing among Democrat Zohran Mamdani, who leads in many polls, Republican Curtis Sliwa, and former New York governor Andrew Cuomo, now running as an independent. The sitting mayor, Eric Adams, remains on the ballot but withdrew last month and has recently endorsed Cuomo.
Mamdani, who identifies as a Democratic Socialist and would be the city’s first Muslim mayor if elected, has energized liberal voters with proposals like universal free child care, free bus service, and a rent freeze for about 1 million rent-regulated apartments in the city.
He has openly criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, calling them genocide - a position that has drawn both support from some rights groups and a UN inquiry, and sharp criticism from opponents. Cuomo has attacked Mamdani over those comments and framed his policies as unrealistic and fiscally risky. Mamdani says he has faced anti-Muslim attacks during the campaign and called those attacks “racist, baseless.”
In an emotional speech, Mamdani said: “To be Muslim in New York is to expect indignity, but indignity does not make us distinct. There are many New Yorkers who face it. It is the tolerance of that indignity that does.” He won the Democratic primary handily in June, defeating Cuomo.
Cuomo has urged voters to support his experience as a former governor - a post he left in 2021 amid allegations of sexual harassment by multiple women.
New York has allowed early voting since 2019, and it’s become common: roughly 35% of votes in June’s mayoral primary were cast early and in person, per the city’s campaign finance board.
Across the river in New Jersey, the governor’s race is also drawing attention, with Republican state assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli facing Democratic US Representative Mikie Sherrill. New Jersey added early voting in 2021.
Observers say these off-year elections could give Democratic leaders clues about what kinds of candidates might best challenge Republican priorities in national politics. The campaigns have highlighted affordability and cost-of-living concerns and shown divisions within the Democratic Party - progressives versus the party establishment, as one expert put it.
In New Jersey’s recent debate, candidates clashed over issues like a potential federal government shutdown, military records, Trump’s policies, and the high cost of living. The winner will replace term-limited Democratic Governor Phil Murphy.
May Allah guide voters to make wise choices and keep our communities safe and just.
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