Early &
Mail-in Voting
in New York

Warning: Mail-in voting is a convenient and safe way to vote, but your ballot might not count if it's submitted late or with errors. So follow the directions below on how to vote early or absentee and make your vote count in New York.

Note - this information below may change for your state due to ongoing litigation and legislation. This page will be updated within 24 hours of any change.

Vote Before Election Day

Vote Early In Person
10/26/2024
Early Voting Begins
11/03/2024
Early Voting Ends

Vote By Mail Deadlines

10/26/2024
Deadline to Request Ballot (Received by)
11/05/2024
Deadline to Return Ballot (Postmarked By)

In-Person Early Voting

You can vote early in your state before Election Day. Early voting begins on 10/26/2024 and ends on 11/03/2024

You can return your mail-in ballot to your early voting site.

How Vote By Mail Works in New York

Voting by mail is a two step process in New York.

Step 1: Request your ballot NOW. The deadline for your application to be submitted is ten days before Election Day. You must have an excuse to qualify to vote with an absentee ballot.

Step 2: Complete and return your ballot ASAP.

  • Return in person to your local board of election, early voting site, or polling place by 9 p.m. on Election Day.
  • Or stamp and mail your ballot  - ballots must be postmarked by Election Day to be counted. To make your postmark date, put the ballot into your home mailbox for collection at least one day prior to ensure it is picked up and processed. You can also drop the ballot off at the post office before the last posted collection time on Election Day. We recommend returning ASAP.

Request Your Ballot See Your Ballot Look Up Ballot Drop Off Locations

Excuse Needed to Vote Absentee

You need an excuse to request an absentee ballot. Excuses could include being sick or out of town, but it’s best to check with your state directly to see what counts as an excuse.

Remember to Sign Your Return Ballot

After you have completed your ballot, sign and date the outside of the security envelope.

Be sure that your signature matches your signature on file with the state! If you registered online or at the DMV, check the signature on your license. If the signature does not match, your ballot could be tossed and will not count.

Use The Right Form of ID

Voters in NY do not need to submit ID when voting by mail, but the signature on their voter registration form must match the signature on their ballot.

How You Can Return Your Mail-in Ballot

By Mail

You must add a stamp when mailing in your ballot.

In Person

  • Local elections office
  • Early voting locations
  • Polling place

Any designated person can drop off a ballot for you.

Look Up Ballot Drop Off Locations

Make Sure Your Mail-in Vote Counts

Click here to track your ballot. Your state offers ballot tracking to military and overseas voters.

Additionally, New York City offers ballot tracking for absentee voters. Click here to access.

Haven't used your ballot?

If you have an absentee ballot that you are not going to use, or you miss the deadline to return it, you may go to your polling place and vote in person.

 

Election Protection Hotline

The national, nonpartisan Election Protection coalition was formed to ensure that all voters have an equal opportunity to participate in the political process. Made up of more than 100 local, state and national partners, Election Protection works year-round to advance and defend the right to vote.

Call 866-OUR-VOTE if you need assistance.

More about voting in New York

Find your polling place, ID laws, and more about voting for the first time below.


Voting Info for New York First Time Voter Info