Make Your Vote Count - HeadCount

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.

Request Your Mail-in BallotEarly VotingChange State

Vote Before Election Day

Vote Early In Person
06/12/2021
Early Voting Begins
06/20/2021
Early Voting Ends

Vote By Mail Deadlines

06/15/2021
Deadline to Request Ballot (Received by)
06/22/2021
Deadline to Return Ballot (Postmarked By)

In-Person Early Voting

You can vote early in your state before Election Day. Early voting begins on 06/12/2021 and ends on 06/20/2021

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 online, by fax, or postmarked is June 15th or in person by June 21st (Don't wait that long!) 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 June 22nd.
  • Or stamp and mail your ballot  - ballots must be postmarked by June 22nd and received by June 29th 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 June 22nd. We recommend returning ASAP.

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

You May Use COVID-19 as an Excuse to Vote Absentee

Due to COVID-19, your state has expanded vote by mail access for the November 2020 election. That means that ‘COVID-19’ qualifies as an excuse to request your absentee ballot.

P.S. If COVID-19 wasn’t affecting the U.S. right now, your state would have stricter requirements for you to qualify to vote by mail.

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.

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
  • Drop box
  • Early voting locations
  • Polling place
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. New York City offers ballot tracking for absentee voters. Click here to access. Your state does not offer voters a chance to address challenges to their ballot. Your ballot will not count if it is late, or you do not follow directions.

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