Getting out The Vote
Voting is one of the best ways we can make progress on issues that matter—yet voter participation in New York State is historically low. GOTV is an important opportunity for our communities to mobilize and make a difference by ensuring that everyone’s voice is part of shaping the future.
Primary elections will take place in New York on June 23, 2020.
Here are important dates you should know for the upcoming federal, congressional and state elections:
- May 29 is the last day to change your voter registration, including updating your address
- June 16 is the last day to postmark, email or fax your ballot application for the primary election
- June 22 is the last date to mail back your absentee ballot
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Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible to vote?
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 of age by Election Day (that includes if you turn 18 on Election Day!).
How can I protect my health and still vote during the COVID-19 pandemic?
New York State is making necessary changes to ensure that voters are safe while participating in upcoming elections. This year, every registered voter will be able to vote by mail by requesting an absentee ballot. But you have to take action by June 16 in order to have a ballot sent to you.
If you live in NYC, there are several ways to request a ballot:
- Online at nycabsentee.com
- Mail an application to your borough’s Board of Elections (The Board of Elections will mail an absentee ballot application to every eligible voter, with return postage paid.)
- Call 1-866-VOTE-NYC
- Email an application to AbsenteeJune2020@boe.nyc
- Fax an application to 212-487-5349
Your ballot will then be mailed to you at the address you include on your request.
The application must be completed and returned in order to receive a mail-in ballot. Voters can mark the reason for their request as “temporary illness,” which now covers the risk of contracting the coronavirus.
Don’t live in NYC? Learn more about absentee voting in New York State.
Are there other reasons I can vote by 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
- Imprisonment (other than convicted felony), or
- Illness, disability, hospitalization or residence in a long-term care facility
Can I vote early?
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 June Primary Elections is June 13-21. Find your early voting polling location.
How can I stay up to date on elections with The Center?
Sign up to join our mobile advocacy network or text RISEOUT to 69866 so you never miss an opportunity to be heard. You’ll receive alerts about voter registration deadlines, election dates and other information on civic engagement.
The Center is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) organization. We do not endorse any political party or candidates.