New Yorkers Head to the Polls Amid Record-Breaking Heat for Mayor Primary

Today, thousands of residents are casting their votes in a highly competitive mayoral primary election. The city’s polling stations opened at 6 a.m. and will close at 9 p.m., as temperatures rise to an unprecedented 102 degrees, making it the hottest day of the ongoing heat wave.

People voting in a New York primary election. — Thousands of New Yorkers are voting in today’s primary amid intense heat.

During the early voting period from June 14 to 22, over 400,000 ballots were already cast. The final winner of this ranked-choice contest, featuring candidates such as former Governor Andrew Cuomo and socialist Zohran Mamdani, will be announced on July 1. The Board of Elections expects to release results by noon that day after completing vote tallies.

Polls Close and Results Timeline

Results will begin to be reported as votes are tallied from each of the over 1,200 voting sites. Initial counts should be available by late Tuesday evening, with comprehensive results following next week after all ballots are processed, especially those from ranked-choice voting rounds. The winner must secure more than 50% of the votes to claim victory.

Andrew Cuomo speaking at a podium. — Once results are in, the leading candidate will secure a spot in the November election.

The primary’s outcome could significantly influence the general election, where Cuomo, if he remains the frontrunner, will face Republican Curtis Sliwa, independent Jim Walden, and incumbent Mayor Eric Adams. Notably, Cuomo has filed petitions to run independently if he does not secure the Democratic nomination.

What’s Next?

The winner will represent the Democratic side in the November race, but some candidates may continue their campaigns regardless of primary results, potentially prolonging the electoral process. Mamdani, notably, has formed alliances with other candidates, including Lander and Blake, which may impact the final tally.