By Katie Vasquez
Voters at the Central Public Library in Brooklyn didn’t have to wait long to make their voices heard, and that’s because many already cast their ballots.
New York City broke a record on Nov. 4:, more than 735,000 people had voted early by 5 p.m. on Tuesday.
There was a lot of buzz as voters headed to the polls and get their ballots in.
“I just want to make sure that the place that we’re all growing up in is shaped to protect us. and that’s why it’s important for me to vote,” Maggie Ruiz Diaz, who was at the polls, told Currents News.
Maria Giampappa brought her two daughters to an election site at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Academy in Middle Village, Queens so that they could see democracy in action.
“I think it’s very important that they get to understand that this part of our duties as citizens is to vote and because of our votes, we influence what happens in our community,” she explained.
The most contentious mayoral race in New York City history has three candidates vying for the seat: former governor and Independent candidate Andrew Cuomo, Democrat Zohran Mamdani, and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
“I think it’s very important because I feel like the candidates are going to make a really big impact on the rest of the next four years,” added Giampappa.
Some of the key issues for voters Currents News spoke with include affordability.
“As I grow up, obviously, taxes become more important, and I don’t want to be paying a lot more in taxes for things that I don’t believe are going to work,” said voter, Jack Prendergast.
Crime and public safety were also among top issues for voters.
“There are men and women that are dying for me. Right now in this country there is a need,” said voter Mickey Eberlein. “We’re spitting on cops, throwing things at firemen.”
But regardless of where they stand, voters are encouraging their fellow New Yorkers to hit the ballot box.
“We all collectively are trying to want to shape our community and understand that we have that say,” said voter Ruiz Diaz.