The upcoming election is a presidential primary. Learn About Presidential Primaries
Learn about all the options to vote in New York to make a plan to vote that works for you!
New York Board of Elections Phone Number: (518) 474-6220
Whether you are registering to vote for the first time, or need to update your address, name or party affiliation - we've got you covered!
Not sure if you are eligible to vote due to a felony conviction?
Click here to learn more.
Request and track
Notice: 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.
Excuse required to vote by mail.
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 October 23rd. You must have an excuse to qualify to vote with an absentee ballot.
Step 2: Complete and return your ballot ASAP.
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.
If you return your ballot by mail, you must add a stamp when mailing in your ballot.
You can also drop off your ballot in person at your local elections office, early voting locations, or polling place.
Any designated person can drop off a ballot for you.
Track your ballot by clicking here.
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.
New York does offer voters a chance to address challenges to their ballot.
You have until the 7th business day after the board’s mailing of notice to the voter, or until the day before Election Day (whichever is later) to cure your ballot.
Voters in New York do NOT need to present ID to vote, except for some first time voters who did not include required voter ID information on their voter registration. If a voter did not submit this ID info with voter registration they will need to submit a copy of their ID if voting by mail, or will need to provide valid ID if voting at the polls. Valid forms of identification include;
Enter your address below to see what you can expect on Election Day.
Primary Type (D): Open
Primary Type (R): Open
Only registered voters affiliated with a particular party may vote in its primary. Visit the New York Democratic Party or Republican Party site for more details.
Your state automatically registers people to vote at the address on their drivers license or other state issued ID card. If you have moved but have not updated your ID with your new address, changed your name or want to add a political party selection, you must update your voter registration. Click here to check to see if you are registered to vote, and update your registration if needed.
You can register to vote and cast your ballot on Election Day at your polling place or local elections office. Bring a valid ID and proof of residence with you.
Dates and hours vary by county. Contact your Local Election Office for more information.
You can return your mail-in ballot to your early voting site.
Some states have laws that specifically allow citizens to preregister at a certain age while others allow registration as long as you’re 18 by the next election. Preregistration means you’ll be automatically registered to vote on your 18th birthday without taking any additional steps.
In New York, you can preregister to vote if you are 16. Register to vote today!
Some states even let you vote in their primaries at 17 if you’ll be 18 by the general election so you can participate in the whole process!
You can not vote in the New York primaries if you are 17 by the next election.
