From Small Fish to BIG VOICES: Grace Students Head to the Polls
Media provided by Maggie Seckler ’26
“Even though we’re small fish in a big ocean, our voices matter.”
Grace students of voting age will head to the polls on Nov.4, joining a historic New York City mayoral election and making their voices heard in the democratic process. “Voting is super important because, even though we’re small fish in a big ocean, our voices matter,” said Arshaan S. ‘26, a first-time voter this year. Students at Grace feel a responsibility to get to the polls and cast their first ballot. Voting is “important for anyone who can participate in democracy,” said Chloe R. ‘26.
The big names on the ballot this year are Andrew Cuomo, Zohran Mamdani, and Curtis Sliwa. Mayor Adams was on the ballot until recently, when he withdrew. Each is a mayoral prospect with vastly different opinions on what direction the city should take. Former Governor Cuomo plans to run as an independent, positioning himself as a moderate Democrat promising stability. Cuomo has entered the race with big endorsements, millions in super PAC backing, and past experience. However, his campaign for the Democratic nomination fell apart due to a reluctance to engage with voters, an overemphasis on polling, and past scandals. Cuomo lost to Mamdani in the June Democratic primary. He’s planning to continue in the general election on a “fight and deliver” ballot line. Supporters say he has establishment ties and huge donor backing, but critics argue he’s out of touch with modern New York and is not bringing enough change.
Assembly member Zohran Mamdani, backed by the Democratic nomination, is calling for “free the rent” and expanding public services. Mamdani has surged to the front of the race, securing high-profile endorsements from Governor Kathy Hochul, State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Kamala Harris, and, most recently, Congresswoman Yvette Clarke. The socialist Democrats’ progressive platform calls for rent freezes, free buses and child care, and new public supermarkets. His platform has energized youth voters, but scares business and real estate interests. Mamdani, the democratic nominee, has also faced threats and political attacks, including accusations from Cuomo that he’s sent hecklers to disrupt his campaign, which he denied. Despite this, Mamdani is the favorite heading into November.
Silwa, the Republican nominee, is also running a tough-on-crime, pro-police campaign. Siwa has positioned himself as the law and order candidate of the race, appealing to voters concerned about public safety and crime rates. His campaign is focused on policing, neighborhood patrols, and rolling back criminal justice reforms. The massive contrasts between Silwa and the other candidates highlight the significant stakes in this election.
For some Grace seniors, this election isn’t just about politics; it’s their first chance to play a role in shaping the city’s future. Between an upcoming shoutout at the community meeting and the approaching voter registration, the excitement around voting for the first time among the class of 2026 is palpable.
Zarina Mediros ‘26 is a Senior Columnist for The Grace Gazette.