BY SCOTT STIFFLER | Early Voting begins this weekend, for the NYC Council District 3 (CD3) Special Election scheduled for April 28. Four candidates on the ballot are competing for the Council seat left vacant in early February, by the departure of Erik Bottcher (now serving as a NYS Senator). Whether the winner is Leslie Boghosian Murphy, Lindsey Boylan, Layla Law-Gisiko, or Carl Wilson, all involved will have little more than a moment’s rest, should they decide to declare their candidacy in another looming CD3 race: NYC’s 2026 Primary Election, set for June 23 (Early Voting, June 13-21). With that in mind, we’ve ut together this schedule of upcoming electoral events. There’s also a wild card to consider: With the April 28 Special Election conducted via Ranked Choice Voting, a runoff will be scheduled if no candidate crosses the 50% threshold. More on that once Special Election results are certified…

NOTE: Although CD3 is currently without a rep, City Council staff are responding to the concerns of residents, business owners, and other locl stakeholders. (CD3 covers the Hudson Square, West Village, Chelsea, Hudson Yards, Meatpacking District, Garment District, Times Square, and Hell’s Kitchen areas.) Click Here to access Chelsea Community News’ article of February 20, 2026, which contains phone and email information, with which you may contact the District Office while the CD3 seat remains in flux.

EARLY VOTING and ELECTION DAY SCHEDULES

But first, Learn about Ranked Choice Voting

Click Here to Find Your Polling Place

Special Election Early Voting: April; 18-26, 2026

Saturday, April 18,  9am to 5pm

Sunday, April 19, 9am to 5pm

Monday, April 20, 9am to 5pm

Tuesday, April 21, 12pm to 8pm

Wednesday, April 22, 12pm to 8pm

Thursday, April 23, 9am to 5pm

Friday, April 24, 8am to 4pm

Saturday, April 25, 9am to 5pm

Sunday, April 26,  9am to 5pm

Election Day is Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Polls are open from 6am to 9pm

—AND THEN—

Primary Election – June 23, 2026

Election Day is Tuesday, June 23, 2026. Polls are open from 6am to 9pm.

Early Voting Period is June 13, 2026 – June 21, 2026.

—AND THEN—

General Election – November 3, 2026

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Polls are open from 6am to 9pm.

Early Voting Period is October 24, 2026 – November 1, 2026.

—AND NOW, BACK TO THE HERE AND NOW—

NOTE: Prior to this Early Voting preview, Chelsea Community News published Q&As with candidates for Council District 3. They can be accessed directly below or by Clicking Here. (Note: Jamin Enquist’s Q&A was added shortly after the roundup’s publication; Enquist’s Special Election candidacy ended when his petitioning for signatures was successfully challenged.)

—Council District 3 Candidate Leslie Boghosian Murphy

—Council District 3 Candidate Lindsey Boylan

—Council District 3 Candidate Layla Law-Gisiko

—Council District 3 Candidate Carl Wilson

—END—

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