With less than a week until the New York City primary election, registered Democrats are already heading to the polls in early voting to choose the candidate who will represent them on the general election ballot in November. On June 24, the main focus will be on who can unseat Democratic NYC Mayor Eric Adams, who is now running as an independent. Additionally, there are several other city positions up for grabs and all 51 City Council seats.Early voting, which began June 14 and is showing strong turnout, especially for an off-year primary. According to unofficial NYC Board of Elections counts, over 130,000 voters have already cast their ballots. The final day for early voting is June 22.
More: Primary lessons: Trump rules, Dems are revved. NYC’s melee is next.
Who is running for NYC mayor?
In the race for City Hall, there are 11 Democrats on the ballot hoping to advance to the general election on Nov. 4.Democrats (11)Adrienne E. AdamsDr. Selma BartholomewMichael A. BlakeAndrew M. CuomoBrad LanderZohan K. MamdaniZellnor MyriePaperboy Love PrinceJessica RamosScott M. StringerWhitney R. Tilson
Whoever wins the Democratic mayoral primary on June 24 will face Republican candidate, Curtis Sliwa and two independents: NYC Mayor Eric L. Adams and Jim Walden in the general election on Nov. 5.
What is ranked-choice voting and how does it work?
Starting in 2021, NYC only uses ranked choice voting in primary and special elections for city offices, where a voter can rank up to five candidates instead of just one. If a candidate receives more than 50% of first-choice voters, they are the winner. If no candidate receives over 50% of the votes in the first round, subsequent rounds will take place. The candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated in each round. If your top-ranked candidate is eliminated, your vote goes to your next choice. This continues until only two candidates remain, with the one having the most votes declared the winner.
If I rank five candidates, do five votes get counted?
No. You only get one vote. Your selection will count toward your highest-ranked candidate who has not been eliminated. If your number one choice loses, your vote will count toward your next highest-ranked candidate.
Is early voting happening now?
Yes! Early voting is underway throughout NYC until June 22, and the final day to register to vote in person is June 23 at your local board of elections.
When will NYC announce the results?
It all depends. The local Board of Elections will announce unofficial, first-choice-only votes after the polls close at 9 pm ET on June 24. If any candidate wins more than 50% of first-choice votes, they will be declared a winner, but with so many candidates and elections, it’s unlikely that any one person will secure half of the total votes.
So, when will the primary election be again?
NYC’s primary election is on June 24, with polls open from 6 am to 9 pm. ET
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What to know ahead of NYC’s mayoral primary on June 24
