Election: FAQ

When is the voter registration deadline?

The final day to register to vote in person at local election offices is Oct. 26.

How do I check if I'm registered to vote?

Enter your name, date of birth, ZIP code and county of residence on the state Board of Elections website to check enrollment and polling locations.

Can I vote early by mail?

You may submit your absentee ballot application online or in person by Oct. 24 and submit it by Nov. 5 (or have it postmarked by that date). You may also pick up an absentee ballot by Nov. 4, but not on Election Day.

How do I request a mail-in ballot?

Fill out an absentee ballot application and submit it to your local board of elections.

When does early voting begin?

Early voting takes place Oct. 26 through Nov. 3. You may also vote in-person on Election Day, Nov. 8.

What kind of ID is required to register to vote?

To register to vote you’ll need a valid state driver’s license number or last four digits of your Social Security number. If neither of those are available other forms of acceptable documentation include a valid DMV-issued photo ID, current utility bill, recent bank statement, government check or some other government document showing your name and address.

When is my mail-in ballot due?

Mail-in ballots must be returned in-person or postmarked by Nov. 5. You may request an absentee ballot online by Oct. 26. An absentee ballot can be requested in-person through Nov. 4.

Can I track the status of my ballot?

Yes, you can click here to track you absentee ballot.

Where do I go to vote in-person?

Due to a change in New York law you can no longer vote in person to override an absentee ballot that has been returned and counted. In prior years, in-person voting would void their returned absentee ballot.

If a voter requests a second absentee ballot, their first mail-in ballot will be voided. But if both ballots arrive before the deadline, the ballot with the latest postmark will be used.

A voter who received or returned an absentee ballot may vote at a polling site using an affidavit ballot, but that ballot will be set aside and not counted if their absentee ballot was already returned and counted. (In past years absentee ballots would not be counted until after polls closed.