Early Voting Is Underway in New York City: Five Ballot Questions and What Voters Need to Know

NEW YORK, October 26, 2026 — Early voting is underway across New York City ahead of the November 3 general election. Polling locations opened Saturday, October 24, and will continue welcoming voters through Sunday, November 1.

In a public video announcement, New Yorkers were encouraged to check their polling locations and remember to turn over their ballots to review five questions concerning changes to city government.

“Polls are open. It’s time to vote,” the speaker announced.

The video also describes the five questions as proposals to make government operate faster. But what exactly would these measures change?

Five Questions on the Ballot

According to the New York City Mayor‘s Office, the five proposals were advanced by the Commission on Government Efficiency following ten public hearings.

Question 1 — Outdoor Dining and Accessibility

Would simplify approvals for outdoor dining and accessibility improvements, including entrance ramps and lifts. City officials estimate the changes could reduce certain approval timelines and application costs for small businesses.

Question 2 — City Contracting

Would streamline government contracting procedures for businesses and nonprofit organizations. The administration estimates the proposed changes could shorten parts of the contracting process by as much as 30 days.

Question 3 — Street Safety and City Property

Would accelerate approval of certain street safety projects, including bicycle lanes, while changing procedures for selling surplus municipal property and unused development rights.

Question 4 — Housing Construction Permits

Would consolidate parts of the construction permitting process currently involving numerous City Agencies and Offices.

Question 5 — City Financial Reserves

Would establish a rainy-day savings target equal to 12% of total tax revenue, intended to strengthen the city’s long-term financial position.

These descriptions reflect the city administration’s explanation of the proposals. Claims about projected savings, faster approvals, and financial benefits are estimates rather than guaranteed outcomes.

Why Voters Should Examine the Questions Carefully

The five proposals concern government procedures, regulatory approvals, public assets, construction, and fiscal management.

While supporters emphasize efficiency, voters should also consider how changes to existing approval procedures might affect oversight, transparency, public participation, and accountability.

A shorter approval process is not necessarily the same as a more accountable government.

Before voting, residents should review the official ballot language and understand what a Yes or No vote would legally accomplish.

Early Voting Schedule

New York City’s Board of Elections has published the following schedule:

Date	Hours
Monday, October 26	9 AM – 5 PM
Tuesday, October 27	10 AM – 8 PM
Wednesday, October 28	10 AM – 8 PM
Thursday, October 29	8 AM – 4 PM
Friday, October 30	9 AM – 5 PM
Saturday, October 31	9 AM – 5 PM
Sunday, November 1	9 AM – 5 PM

On Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, polling locations will be open from 6 AM until 9 PM.

Important: Early voting locations may differ from Election Day polling sites. New York City voters are assigned specific early voting locations based on their registered addresses.

How to Find Your Polling Location

Voters can check their assigned polling sites through the official New York City Board of Elections website.

The Board of Elections also provides information about voting hours, registration, ballot procedures, and absentee voting.

Watch the Public Announcement

Watch the early voting announcement on YouTube

The announcement encourages New Yorkers to participate in early voting and reminds them to examine the five questions appearing on their ballots.

Sources

Midtown Tribune — Independent New York News

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