Election Day Voices

In Harlem, the polling place at P.S 153 near 146 Street was busy. People stood outside wearing “I voted” stickers. Bettina Damiani, a Bronx resident, handed out flyers for Zohran Mamdani and said, “It is exciting to vote for someone with an exciting vision for New York.” Other voters didn’t say who their candidate was, but Dedra, who didn’t give her last name, said, “It is my right to vote.”

At the 137 Street 1 train station, some people headed to the subway wore “I voted” stickers. Lauren Croft said, “I look for someone well-spoken and well-intentioned. At the end of the day, I believe Cuomo is a sexual abuser, Sliwa is a Republican. It was an easy choice for me with how Mamdani carries himself and what he believes in.” Steven Kirch planned to vote later in the day. He said, “I will vote for Mamdani later today, because he is the only one who seems normal. Regardless of my existing political beliefs, he seems somewhat normal compared to the others.” He paused and said, “Vibes may be a weird thing to judge off, but I surely think the other two are not fit to run our city.”

At P.S 192 on 136 Street a mix of older and younger people turned out to vote. “It was a 50-50 demographic of older and younger people,” said Jose Martinez. He came out to vote because, “I was able to, always wanted to, and it’s part of our select duty.”

Also at P.S 192, Eli who didn’t want to give us his last name said, “I’m hoping for something new.” But the native New Yorker wouldn’t say who he voted for.

At the same election site, Sanji Gurram praised Mamdani. “I think Mamdani’s promises are actionable and optimistic, but encouraging.” She said she’s originally from California and the affordable housing crisis in New York cemented her vote. “Mamdani seems young and informed. He seems like a man of the people,” she said.

In Brooklyn, at a Kensington polling place, people brought their kids. One baby, cradled in his mother’s arms wore a blue onesie with the Zohran logo. Most voters were in there twenties and thirties and clearly seemed to favor Zohran Mamdani. A woman walking her dog, who appeared to be in her sixties, said, “Mamdani doesn’t know anything.”