News 4's Axel Turcios and Rana Novini report

Nearly 90,000 people voted on the first day of early voting in New York City, according to the city Board of Elections, as voters in New York and New Jersey begin heading to the polls.

A total of 86,215 people cast ballots across the five boroughs Saturday, nearly doubling the day-one turnout from 2022, the last New York gubernatorial and midterm elections.

“Should be a resident’s priority to vote, that’s why we live in a democracy,” said Virginia Gerstley, a New York City resident.

“It’s your say in your country, I think It’s important to use what voice what you have and it’s at the ballot box,” said Mike, a New York City resident.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D-New York City) cast his ballot at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

“This is the only place in the world where you could be voting early at the Metropolitan Museum of Art,” Mamdani said.

Mamdani also reaffirmed his support for the reelection of Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul.

“I was excited to just vote for Governor Hochul on the Working Families Party line. And yesterday we were out together on the G train,” Mamdani said.

Hochul spent her Saturday campaigning in Buffalo with Erie County Democrats before casting her ballot.

Republican Bruce Blakeman stepped up his campaign for New York governor, taking aim at both Mamdani and Hochul.

“(Mamdani) was campaigning with Kathy Hochul and all I can say is they only campaigned for 15 minutes. Even he couldn't stand to be with her for more than 15 minutes,” the Nassau County Executive said.

In Essex County, New Jersey, an early voting site was evacuated Saturday morning after reports of a potential bomb threat.

The Turtle Back Zoo, which was being used as an early voting site, reopened after law enforcement confirmed no bomb was found.

In New York City, polling locations are set to reopen Sunday at 9 a.m. In New Jersey, polls open at 10 a.m. Sunday.