How To: Register to Vote, Cast a Ballot in New York State

Posted onAuthorPam RobinsonLeave a comment

New Yorkers have a variety of ways to register to vote. With the next election coming up on Nov.8, there’s still time to sign up, with Oct. 14 the last day for the November vote.

You can: register online through the Department of Motor Vehicles: https://voterreg.dmv.ny.gov/MotorVoter/

Check to make sure you’re registered: https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov/

The last day to register:

Look up your polling place here: https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov/

Redistricting left many people confused; here’s where to find what districts you are in: https://latfor.state.ny.us/maps/

Early voting is scheduled for Oct. 29 to Nov. 6.

To register in New York you must:

  • be a citizen of the United States
  • be a resident of this state and the county, city or village for at least 30 days before the election
  • be 18 years old (you may pre-register at 16 or 17 but cannot vote until you are 18)
  • not be in prison for a felony conviction
  • not currently be judged mentally incompetent by order of a court of competent judicial authority
  • not claim the right to vote elsewhere

The group Democracy Works says that to register by mail:

Use the National Voter Registration Form

  1. Print and fill out the  National Voter Registration Form.
  2. Box 6 – ID Number: Your completed voter registration form must contain your New York driver’s license number, non-driver number, or the last four digits or your Social Security number. If you do not possess any of these forms of identification, write “NONE” on the form.
  3. Box 7 – Choice of Party: You can only vote in a partisan primary in New York if you are a registered member of that party. You should register with the party whose primary you would like to vote in.
  4. Box 8 – Race or Ethnic Group: Leave blank. This information is not required.
  5. Review the “Who can vote?” section above and check that you’re eligible.
  6. Sign the form.
  7. Send the completed form to your local election office
  8. If you are registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction and are mailing this registration application, Federal law requires you to show proof of identification the first time you vote. Proof of identification includes:
    • A current and valid photo identification or
    • A current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows your name and address.
    • More information here.




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