Last update: Sep 20, 2023 07:30 a.m. EDT
Last update: Sep 19, 2023 11:09 a.m. UTC
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Summary
New York offers absentee ballots by mail to voters who will be unable to vote in person. All other voters are expected to vote in person. New York offers early voting.
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Who can register to vote?
To register in New York you must:
- be a citizen of the United States
- be a resident of the state of New York and the county, city, or village in which you register for at least 30 days before the election in which you vote
- be 18 years old (you may pre-register at 16 or 17 but cannot vote until you are 18)
- not be in prison for a felony conviction
- not be adjudged mentally incompetent by a court
- not claim the right to vote elsewhere
How do I vote in person?
Where can I vote on Election Day?
You can look up where to vote on New York's site.
Can I vote early?
- Yes, New York does offer early voting. You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
If you've voted in New York before, you don't need to provide ID to vote.
If you're a first-time voter who registered by mail and you didn't provide with your registration a New York (NY) driver license number, NY non-driver ID number, Social Security number, or a copy of your ID, you may need to show ID to vote. Acceptable forms include:
- current and valid photo ID
- copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address
If you're a first time voter and unable to provide ID: You will be able to vote an affidavit ballot.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
New York doesn't offer ballot tracking.
Can I vote early?
Yes, New York does offer early voting.
- You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
What do I need to bring?
If you've voted in New York before, you don't need to provide ID to vote.
If you're a first-time voter who registered by mail and you didn't provide with your registration a New York (NY) driver license number, NY non-driver ID number, Social Security number, or a copy of your ID, you may need to show ID to vote. Acceptable forms include:
- current and valid photo ID
- copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address
If you're a first time voter and unable to provide ID: You will be able to vote an affidavit ballot.
How do I vote by mail?
New York allows eligible voters to request a mail ballot. All other voters are expected to vote in person. Check to see if you’re eligible to vote by mail on New York's site.
How do I get my ballot?
Request your mail-in ballot with a mail ballot application.
What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?
If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your local election office.
How do I return my ballot?
- Read the instructions carefully on how to mark and return your ballot.
- You can return your ballot by mail or by visiting a dedicated drop off location.
- Find a ballot drop off location near you.
- If you choose to return your ballot by mail, the United States Postal Service (USPS) recommends that voters mail their completed ballots at least one week before the due date. Find a USPS location near you.
What do I need to do if I’ve moved?
What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
New York doesn't offer ballot tracking.
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
New York does not offer registration on Election Day.
Get Ready to Vote
- New York General Election : Nov 7
Recent Elections
How do I see what's on my ballot?
View your sample ballot on the New York State Board of Elections's website. Available ballot information may vary depending on the upcoming election.
How do I get help registering to vote?
TurboVote can help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more. If you’d like more help planning how to vote, we can walk you through the process!
How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?
Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your local election office for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
- Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
- Send the application to your local election office.
- It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
- Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
- States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.
If after submitting your FPCA, your ballot does not arrive, contact your local election office first. Then:
- You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
- If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in New York. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov
How can I check my voter registration status?
You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using New York's voter registration lookup tool.
How do I contact my state election office?
Which election office should I contact?
- In New York, your local election office runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
- The State Board of Elections oversees elections and election administration in New York. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.
How do I contact my local election office?
Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.