This November, New Yorkers will decide the future leaders of our city, from Mayor to City Council and more. You can get ready to cast your vote by tuning into the official NYC Mayoral Debates on October 16 and 22nd!
These debates are the only place you’ll see the candidates for mayor live on stage, answering real questions about the issues that impact your life. Whether you care about housing, transportation, safe streets, or the future of our neighborhoods, the debates are your chance to hear directly from the people who want to lead our city.
How to Watch
This October, there are even more ways to watch. You don’t need a cable subscription — the debates are available on YouTube and free to stream online. If you can’t tune in live, every debate will be available online so you can catch up at your convenience.
Find out how to watch at nycvotes.org/debates.
The debates will be available live in both English and Spanish, with ASL interpretation on screen.
For those who want a sense of community, watch parties are happening across the city, hosted by local organizations and leaders.
Didn’t We Just Have Debates?
You may have seen clips from the primary election debates, but voters still have to make their choice in the general election. During these debates, you’ll see some of the same candidates from the Democratic primary election alongside candidates running as Independents and Republicans.
You can cast your vote for any one of these candidates, but it’s understandable if you’re not sure where they stand without a major party next to their name. The debates are a great place to get more information straight from the candidates themselves.
How the Debates Work
Candidates who qualify and have signed up for the city’s Matching Funds Program must agree to participate in the debates they qualify for. NYC’s Matching Funds Program gives everyday New Yorkers a more powerful voice in local elections.
It’s part of how we are making leaders more accountable to everyday New Yorkers. The NYC Campaign Finance Board administers the Matching Funds Program and oversees the official debates, partnering with local news outlets to make them possible.
Now it’s your turn. Tune in, watch closely, and make your voice heard this November. The future of New York City depends on the choices we make at the ballot. Learn more at nycvotes.org/debates.