Saturday marked a record-breaking 80,000 votes counted during the first day of early voting compared to 15,000 votes counted citywide during the first day of early voting in 2021 – the last mayoral election.

Brooklyn alone counted 22,000 votes Saturday, according to the Board of Elections. Elections officials at the St. Johns Recreation Center expected a higher turnout on Sunday since Saturday was a Jewish holiday.

Many voters told News 12 they were thrilled with the lack of lines and how fast it went. They said the mayor’s race brought them to the polls, and issues of affordability and public safety.

"It was the mayor race, the Democratic nominee is a threat and a danger," said voter Hersch Zarchi.

"I am going to see Zohran at Forest Hills Stadium tonight, and I wanted to vote beforehand,” said resident Callie Farnsworth.

Farnsworth also told News 12 she wanted to make sure to vote to keep NYC elections on an off-year schedule.

"The presidential election is too big. We don't want our city to get overshadowed and lose attention," she said.