Wondering when the last day to register to vote is? Or whether you’re still registered to vote? Then we got answers for you. Here, we answer some of the most commonly asked questions about voting in New York before this Election Day.
When is the last day to register to vote?
October 14th is the last day to register to vote online, by mail, or in person in New York.
To register online, you must either create, or sign into your dmv.ny.gov account. To create an account, you must have a NY State ID (forms include licences, permits, or non-driver IDs). Once on your account, you can choose to register to vote.
To register by mail, you must first either download and print the New York State voter registration form (which can be found here) or you can request a copy to be mailed to you by calling 1-800-FOR-VOTE (8683). After completing the forms, you must mail them by Oct 14th to your county Board of Elections. (full list of county offices here, Interactive map found here)
To register in person, you can go to your local county Board of Elections (link above) or to your local Department of Motor Vehicles and fill out the form. The form must be returned by Oct 14th.
Where can I check if i’m registered to vote?
You can check online using voterlookup.elections.state.ny.us/. After entering your information, you can find out your voter status, your registered party, and your districts.
I registered to vote X amount of years ago, do I have to re-register?
You only need to re-register if you have have moved to a new address or want to change your party affiliation. To do this, simply re-register using any of the forms listed above.
I won’t be able to go to my local poll on Election Day. Can I still vote?
You can vote using an Absentee Ballot if you are:
- Away from your county on Election Day.
- If you are temporarily or permanently ill or disabled OR if you are the primary caregiver to someone who is ill or disabled.
- A patient or inmate in a Veterans’ Administration Hospital.(x)
- In jail awaiting Grand Jury action or confined to prison after conviction for an offense other than a felony.(x)
(Source:elections.ny.gov/VotingAbsentee)
Absentee Ballots are available online here or at your local county Board of Elections. The ballot must either be mailed a week before the election date (by Nov 1st), or be delivered to your county Board of Elections by the day before Election Day (Nov 7th). To learn more, visit elections.ny.gov/VotingAbsentee here.
I have to work on Election Day. Can I take a few hours off to go and vote?
According to state law, workers who do not have sufficient time before or after work to visit the polls are allowed to take up to two hours with pay at the beginning or end of their shift in order to vote. To learn more, visit here.
When is Election Day?
November 8th. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where can I go to learn more?
For more information, visit elections.ny.gov.
