New York City’s primary election early voting began on Saturday, June 13, and will continue for a total of nine days until the 21st, with June 23 as the primary day. As of yesterday, two days of voting have been completed with a total of 31,000 people voting citywide, according to official data from the New York City Board of Elections.
The early voting station at the Flushing Boy Scouts Club was relatively quiet, while outside, the campaigning teams of Congresswoman Grace Meng from the 6th Congressional District and her Korean opponent, Chuck Park, were actively engaging with voters.
At the Flushing early voting station, around 11:30 am on the first day (June 13), only 33 people had completed voting, with approximately 10 Chinese-speaking voters needing language assistance. When asked why there were fewer voters, the station coordinator, Leo, mentioned that this year’s primary is limited to the Democratic Party and that this particular station has fewer contested seats for the corresponding district, including positions such as New York State Comptroller, Civil Court judges, and the 6th Congressional District, among a few others. Furthermore, it was the first day of voting, coupled with the hot weather, so turnout could still change.
Leo also pointed out that this year’s primary is only for registered Democrats, not independent or Republican voters. Changing party affiliation, including registering as a Democrat for independents, must be done by February 14 each year, which limits some individuals from participating in the Democratic primary voting.
The first day of early voting on June 13 also served as the deadline for voter registration for this primary. However, as of late morning, no one had come to the Boy Scouts voting station for voter registration.
The primary for the Queens congressional district attracted attention, particularly the race between incumbent Congresswoman Grace Meng and her challenger, former federal diplomat Chuck Park. Their respective supporters set up tents along Route 41, enduring the scorching sun and sweltering heat to campaign enthusiastically. Reporters noted that many of Chuck Park’s campaign volunteers were young people.
John, a Chinese supporter of Grace Meng, urged her supporters to come out and vote. He emphasized that merely expressing support is not enough, especially against Korean opponents who are more united and actively urging people to vote. Therefore, supporters of Grace Meng must take concrete action by casting their votes and not assume victory without turning out to vote.
The New York State primary day is scheduled for the 23rd (Tuesday), with early voting continuing until the 21st (Sunday). Voters can visit the official website findmypollsite.vote.nyc to find the primary day polling locations and early voting sites.