Extreme heat wave threatens voter turnout in NYC Democratic mayoral primary
Shreeaa Rathi | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Jun 25, 2025, 19:44 IST
( Image credit : AP, TOIGLOBAL )
As the clock ticks down to the Democratic mayoral primary on June 24, 2025, New York City is buzzing with anticipation. Candidates Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani are at the forefront of this heated race, which is further complicated by a brutal heat wave sweeping across the city.
Tens of thousands of New Yorkers are expected to vote in the Democratic mayoral primary on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, amid an extreme heat wave, potentially impacting voter turnout and the chances of candidates like Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani. The heat wave, with temperatures expected to reach triple digits and a heat index above 104 degrees, combined with an air-quality advisory, could particularly affect Cuomo, who is relying on strong Election Day turnout, while Mamdani hopes to capitalize on early voting momentum. The election has tightened in recent weeks, with polls showing a close race between Cuomo and Mamdani.
New York City is under an extreme heat warning. The National Weather Service forecasts dangerous, potentially deadly heat.
The city’s Board of Elections reported that 384,338 voters cast their ballots during the nine-day early-voting period. Early voting numbers suggest a potential advantage for Mamdani, with strong turnout in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Lower turnout in Staten Island and the Bronx, boroughs expected to favor Cuomo, could pose a challenge for his campaign. Cuomo has been focusing on attracting moderate Black and brown voters, demographics that tend to be older and vote on Election Day.
The heat wave could reduce turnout in the closely contested election. Recent polling indicates a tightening race between Cuomo and Mamdani.
An Emerson College poll showed Mamdani overtaking Cuomo in the final round of ranked-choice voting. This marks a shift from previous polls that had Cuomo leading by a significant margin.
A Marist poll indicated Cuomo winning in a ranked-choice simulation. However, the poll also revealed Mamdani gaining ground among voters.
Recent developments have put pressure on Cuomo, the former front-runner. One labor leader whose union endorsed Cuomo expressed concern about his current position.
“I will be honest, it just looks really bad for Cuomo right now.”
In preparation for the heat, the Cuomo campaign urged the city to ensure cooling systems were in place at polling locations. The campaign also requested that water be provided to voters.
Cuomo planned to vote on Election Day to encourage voter turnout despite the weather. Many of his Democratic challengers voted early last week.
“Now, it’s going to be hot tomorrow. So think about voting early. Think about voting late. But yes — we may perspire tomorrow. But remember, we are perspiring because we are aspiring — for a city that we are going to build that is better than ever before,” Cuomo said at a pre–Election Day rally.
The state’s Department of Environmental Conservation issued an air-quality advisory. Young children, older adults, and individuals with health conditions were urged to limit their time outdoors.
NYC Emergency Management issued a warning about the dangerous heat.
“NYC remains under an Extreme Heat Warning today, June 24. This is dangerous, potentially deadly heat. In past years, extreme heat has been the city’s deadliest weather-related emergency, linked to more than 500 deaths annually. Most happen in homes without air conditioning. The…”
The primary election is taking place on June 24. The extreme heat is a major concern for voters and candidates alike.
New York City is under an extreme heat warning. The National Weather Service forecasts dangerous, potentially deadly heat.
The city’s Board of Elections reported that 384,338 voters cast their ballots during the nine-day early-voting period. Early voting numbers suggest a potential advantage for Mamdani, with strong turnout in Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Lower turnout in Staten Island and the Bronx, boroughs expected to favor Cuomo, could pose a challenge for his campaign. Cuomo has been focusing on attracting moderate Black and brown voters, demographics that tend to be older and vote on Election Day.
The heat wave could reduce turnout in the closely contested election. Recent polling indicates a tightening race between Cuomo and Mamdani.
An Emerson College poll showed Mamdani overtaking Cuomo in the final round of ranked-choice voting. This marks a shift from previous polls that had Cuomo leading by a significant margin.
A Marist poll indicated Cuomo winning in a ranked-choice simulation. However, the poll also revealed Mamdani gaining ground among voters.
Recent developments have put pressure on Cuomo, the former front-runner. One labor leader whose union endorsed Cuomo expressed concern about his current position.
“I will be honest, it just looks really bad for Cuomo right now.”
In preparation for the heat, the Cuomo campaign urged the city to ensure cooling systems were in place at polling locations. The campaign also requested that water be provided to voters.
Cuomo planned to vote on Election Day to encourage voter turnout despite the weather. Many of his Democratic challengers voted early last week.
“Now, it’s going to be hot tomorrow. So think about voting early. Think about voting late. But yes — we may perspire tomorrow. But remember, we are perspiring because we are aspiring — for a city that we are going to build that is better than ever before,” Cuomo said at a pre–Election Day rally.
The state’s Department of Environmental Conservation issued an air-quality advisory. Young children, older adults, and individuals with health conditions were urged to limit their time outdoors.
NYC Emergency Management issued a warning about the dangerous heat.
“NYC remains under an Extreme Heat Warning today, June 24. This is dangerous, potentially deadly heat. In past years, extreme heat has been the city’s deadliest weather-related emergency, linked to more than 500 deaths annually. Most happen in homes without air conditioning. The…”
The primary election is taking place on June 24. The extreme heat is a major concern for voters and candidates alike.