Earlyvoters inNYCs Democratic primary question why Zohran Mamdani listed first onmayoral ballot
New Yorkers voting in the Democratic Primary are questioning why Democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani is listed first, at the very top of the ballot sheet.Mamdani — an assemblyman who has gained momentum in recent polling to catch up with favorite Andrew Cuomo — has copped backlash for his refusal to acknowledge Israel having a right to exist as a Jewish state and his involvement in the “BDS” movement, which seeks to divert US funding to the country.The 33-year-old candidate, who is a Muslim, has also raised eyebrows with his pie in the sky policy proposals, such as city-owned grocery stores and free bus service — that would cost taxpayers at least $10 billion.The Board of Elections (BoE) have explained the ballot order is randomly selected and bound by strict regulations, but some people are demanding more transparency.New York resident Simone Weichselbaum, 43, cast her vote as early voting began on Saturday — less than two weeks ahead of the June 24 primary election — but walked away from the booths frustrated and concerned.“As a pro-Israel Midtown East Jewish voter, I voted yesterday and was shocked to see Mamdani listed first on the long list of names of mayoral candidates — we have a very crowded field this year,” she told The Post.”“It took me a lot longer to vote because you have to go down the list and rank them.”The 2025 race is the second time ranked choice voting has been used.New Yorkers can choose up to five candidates in order of preference.
When all first choice votes are counted, if one candidate has more than 50% of votes, they win.If not, the candidate in last place is eliminated and the second choice of the people who voted for the eliminated candidate is counted.
This process continues until there are only two candidates left, upon which the candidate with the most votes wins.“Voters who are less enthusiastic might not take the time to consider their options.A lazy voter might just go ‘f—k this’, and go down...