With early voting now underway in New York, thousands of residents cast their ballots Saturday, joined by several high-profile elected officials encouraging participation ahead of Election Day.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani started the day at the Metropolitan Museum of Art polling site, arriving with breakfast for volunteers before casting his vote. The mayor highlighted the convenience of early voting, noting that many New Yorkers can complete the process in just a few minutes.

“For New Yorkers concerned in a city where time is one of the most precious resources, voting early you can do so in five minutes,” Mamdani said.

For longtime voters, spending a few minutes at the polls is well worth it.

“It’s very important. It is my responsibility and my privilege. I’ve been voting for 70 years,” said voter Marilyn Braiterman.

Others said this election represents an opportunity for change.

“It’s time for a change. We’ve had some chaotic measures in the past four or five years and we have to get it right this time. We have to choose wisely,” said Rosemary Rizzo.

Among the races on the ballot is New York’s gubernatorial contest. Republican candidate Bruce Blakeman spent part of the day in Brooklyn, continuing to rally supporters and urging voters not to wait until Election Day to cast their ballots.

“We’ve got to dedicate ourselves up until 9 o’clock on Tuesday, November 3rd, to call all our neighbors, all our friends, all our relatives, to go out and vote,” Blakeman said.

Meanwhile, Gov. Kathy Hochul used social media to remind New Yorkers that Saturday is also the deadline to register to vote and encouraged residents to verify their polling locations before heading to the polls.

Mamdani also expressed his support for Hochul after casting his ballot.

“I was excited to vote for Governor Hochul on the Working Families Party line,” he said. “Yesterday we were out together on the G train, and I'm excited to continue being out there for her.”

In addition to statewide races, New York City voters are weighing in on five ballot proposals that could impact how city government operates.

Braiterman said she supported four of the five proposals.

“I voted for four out of the five. Number three — the Landmarks Commission said not to vote for it, so I didn’t,” she said.

Early voting in New York runs through Sunday, Nov. 1.