Older Voters Could Make Up Most of New York’s 2026 Vote

Early voting in New York continues through Sunday, November 1st with election Day on Tuesday, November 3rd. A new report looks at who has voted in past New York elections.

It says about 3.7 million voters age 50 and older could vote in 2026 if turnout is like past governor’s elections. That would be about 1.3 million more voters than those under 50. This is an estimate based on past elections, it is not a prediction.

More Older Voters Have Been Voting

Voters age 50 and older made up nearly 60% of New York voters in 2018. By 2022, they made up about 63%. The report says this happened as more older voters took part and fewer younger voters voted.

More Voters Have No Party Listed

More New Yorkers are registering without joining a political party. The number grew from about 2.6 million in 2018 to 3.45 million in 2026. This does not mean those voters changed parties and didn't show who they have decided to support.

Older Voters Took Part Across New York

In five New York congressional districts, voters age 50 and older made up more than half of the people who voted in 2024. The report does not say which candidates those voters chose.

New York City Had the Biggest Increase

New York City had most of the state’s increase in voters age 50 and older between 2020 and 2024. More than 1.38 million city residents age 50 and older voted in 2024.

Voting Patterns Differ Across the State

In the Southern Tier, about 6 in 10 voters in the 2024 general election were age 50 or older. Erie County had the largest number of older voters in Western New York. The report looks at past voting records. This doesn't tell us how many people will vote in 2026.

With all the rhetoric that we've been hearing lately, maybe you're looking for some peace, I hope this helps.