All About Voting

New York’s voter turnout is historically low. In local elections, when voter turnout is especially low, every vote can make a huge impact. Some local elections come down to a difference of just a few hundred votes or less. That means that every single vote matters! You can help combat misconceptions and apathy, and make sure people know that elections help shape the future. If you have an opinion on what should be done, from school board elections to judicial selections, then voting is the first step to making that happen.

On June 25, you can help determine who will be on the ballot for elections across New York State by participating in New York’s Primary.

Pledge to Vote

Let’s embrace the power of our vote! It’s our opportunity to shape the world we want to live in, where our rights are protected, our voices heard, and our identities celebrated.

 






You have three options for voting in the upcoming New York Primary:

  • Vote by mail by requesting an absentee ballot online, by email, fax, or postmarked mail by June 15. After completing your ballot, it must be postmarked no later than June 25.

Request an absentee ballot online:

The last day to register or change your voter registration is June 15. Check Your Voter Registration Status or Register to Vote. 

FAQs

About New York’s Presidential Primary

  • School Boards
      • Buffalo Public Schools
      • Lackawanna City School District
  • Municipal Government

Preview your Ballot

There’s a lot on the ballot—it can be overwhelming! This feature allows you to see the offices and proposals that will appear on your specific ballot, so that you know in advance exactly what you’ll be able to vote on this year.

 

Voting in the primaries determines who shows up on the ballot for the general election. It provides our communities one more tool for advancing positive legislation, securing important funding, and encouraging a political climate that positively impacts LGBTQ+ people and our communities.

Yes. New York held its presidential primary on April 2. However, New York has a bifurcated primary meaning the presidential primary happens separately from the primary for other offices around the state. On June 25, New Yorkers will vote to determine who will be on the ballot for offices across the state from the most local offices all the way up to federal House and Senate members. 

You can find your district, voter registration information, polling location, and more by visiting voterlookup.elections.ny.gov

All registered voters can participate in early voting, which starts 10 days before Election Day. There are several benefits to voting early, including shorter wait times and less crowding at your polling site. The early voting period for the primary election is June 15-June 23. Find your early voting polling location.

You can vote in-person on Election Day, June 25. On Election Day, poll sites are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Voters who are in line by 9 p.m. can cast a ballot. Please note that your polling location will take precautions to ensure that the site is clean and safe to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Also remember that wearing a mask, washing your hands, or using hand sanitizer after touching surfaces in public spaces (including voting machines) is a smart way to stay healthy, whenever you vote. Find your polling place.

Fill out the pledge form above and keep an eye out for email alerts about ballot deadlines, election dates, and other information on civic engagement. We’ll make sure you have the information you need so that you never miss an opportunity to be heard!

Volunteer with The Center’s RiseOut Action Team to join our Get Out The Vote efforts, as we work to provide accurate voting information and underscore the importance of elections for our community.

General Voting Questions

To register to vote, you have to be:

  • A citizen of the United States (born in the U.S. or naturalized). That includes people who were born in Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
  • A resident of New York State for at least 30 days before the election.
  • At least 18 years old by Election Day (that includes if you turn 18 on Election Day!)
  • Not in prison for a felony conviction.

If your name has changed since you last registered to vote, you must update your voter registration by March 23. Including your gender on your voter registration form is optional. 

In New York State, any citizen convicted of a felony will have their right to vote restored after release from prison. The individual must re-register to vote in order for their voting ability to be fully restored. You can read more about your right to vote after release HERE.

You can find your district, voter registration information, polling location, and more by visiting voterlookup.elections.ny.gov.

Requesting an Absentee Ballot

You can vote by absentee ballot if you are a registered voter and cannot make it to your polling site on Election Day because of your:

  • Occupation
  • Business
  • Studies
  • Travel
  • Incarceration (other than convicted felony), or
  • Illness, disability, hospitalization, or residence in a long-term care facility

Absentee voting allows you to vote by mail rather than going to the polls and casting your vote in person. All states allow people to cast their votes via mail-in or absentee ballots. Some, like New York, require voters to give a reason before allowing them to vote by mail.

Generally, yes, you can request a ballot in person by visiting your County Board of Elections. However, you should contact your local County Board of Elections before visiting in person. Find contact information for your County Board of Elections to request a ballot.

When your ballot arrives, read it carefully and follow the instructions to complete it and return it. You should fill out and return your ballot as soon as possible. All ballots must be postmarked by June 25.

You can vote by absentee ballot if you are a registered voter and cannot make it to your polling site on Election Day because of your:

  • Occupation
  • Business
  • Studies
  • Travel
  • Incarceration (other than convicted felony), or
  • Illness, disability, hospitalization, or residence in a long-term care facility

 

Get Out The Vote

Now that you’re registered to vote, it’s your turn to encourage others to vote, too. Start by familiarizing yourself with the registration process, since it’s the first step to voting.

Keep it Non-Partisan

The Center is a 501(c)(3) organization, which means we can’t endorse any one party or candidate. That means when you do Get Out the Vote with The Center, it’s important to keep it non-partisan.

Encourage people to research the candidates and the political parties in New York State (there are eight of them!) on their own before making decisions. 

  • Don’t suggest which party to register with.
  • Don’t suggest which candidate to vote for.
  • Don’t talk about party stances or the parties that politicians belong to.

Understanding the Voter Registration Form

To get you started, take a look at this helpful Guide to the New York State Voter Registration Form.

 

A few tips on filling out the form:

  • Item 5, which includes a gender selection, is optional.
  • Items 6 and 7 are also optional, although entering your phone and/or email will ensure that you can be contacted in case there’s an issue with your registration form.
  • You only have to fill out item 12 if you’re updating your address.
  • You don’t have to choose a party when you register, but in order to vote in primary elections in New York State you need to register with the party whose primary you wish to participate in.
  • For the general election, you don’t need to be registered with a party to vote for a candidate.

And some gentle reminders:

  • If someone is not a U.S. citizen, filling out a voter registration form at all can have serious legal consequences, as it is considered forgery. If someone seems unsure if they can register to vote, ask if they would like to go over their eligibility.
  • Don’t pressure anyone to tell you why they are not eligible if they do not want to share that information.

Help Beyond Voting

Volunteer with The Center’s RiseOut Action Team to join our Get Out The Vote efforts, as we work to provide accurate voting information and underscore the importance of elections for our community. The Center is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization. We do not endorse any political party or candidates.

Volunteer