Poll times[edit]

For primary elections, polls open at 6:00 a.m. and close at 9:00 p.m. in New York City and the counties of Dutchess, Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Putnam, and Erie. Polls open at 12:00 p.m. and close at 9:00 p.m. in all other counties. Polls open at 6:00 a.m. and close at 9:00 p.m. for general elections. An individual who is in line at the time polls close must be allowed to vote.^[1]

Registration[edit]

To vote in New York, one must be a United States citizen, a resident of the county, city, or village for at least 30 days prior to the election, and at least 18 years old by the date of the election. Individuals who are in prison or on parole for a felony conviction and those who have been declared mentally incompetent by a court are ineligible to register to vote. One cannot register to vote in New York while claiming the right to vote elsewhere.^[2] Registration applications are available at the county board of elections or any agency-based voter registration center. Forms are also available online, or prospective voters can request the form by mail.^[2] Completed forms returned by mail must be postmarked at least 25 days prior to the election. The form must then be received by election officials at least 20 days before the election. A registration done in person must be completed at least 25 days prior to the election.^[3] Residents may also register to vote online through the DMV Electronic Voter Registration Application. These applications are forwarded to the board of elections; applicants should allow up to six weeks for processing.^[4]

Automatic registration[edit]

On December 22, 2020, Governor Andrew Cuomo (D) signed S8806/A8280C into law, establishing automatic voter registration. When individuals interact with state agencies, voter registration will be integrated into other applications or registrations the agency provides. The Department of Motor Vehicle process will be implemented in 2023, the Departments of Health, Labor, and Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance in 2024, and the State University of New York in 2025.^[5][6]

Online registration[edit]

See also: Online voter registration

New York has implemented an online voter registration system. Residents can register to vote by visiting this website.

Same-day registration[edit]

New York does not allow same-day voter registration.

Residency requirements[edit]

In order to register to vote in New York, applicants must reside in the county, city, or village in which they are registering for at least 30 days prior to the election.

Verification of citizenship[edit]

See also: Laws permitting noncitizens to vote in the United States

New York does not require proof of citizenship for voter registration.

Verifying your registration[edit]

The New York State Board of Elections allows residents to check their voter registration status online by visiting this website.

Voter ID requirements[edit]

New York does not require voters to present identification while voting.^[7] However, if a voter does not provide valid identification at the time of registration, he or she must show identification at the polling place when voting for the first time.^[8][9]

Voters can present the following forms of identification:

• A current, valid photo ID, including but not limited to a drivers' license or a DMV-issued non-driver photo ID
• A current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document with the voter's name and address