Register to vote in New York City through the Board of Elections, by mail, online, or in person at designated locations

To vote in New York City, you must first register with the Board of Elections in your borough. Registration is free and takes about ten minutes. You can register online through the New York State Board of Elections website, by mail using a paper form, or in person at your local Board of Elections office or at certain libraries and community centers.

The important date to register is typically 25 days before Election Day, though same-day registration is available on Election Day itself at your polling place. Once registered, you stay on the rolls unless you move out of state, request removal, or fail to vote for four consecutive years.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old, and a New York State resident for at least 30 days before Election Day to register.
  • Online registration through the New York State Board of Elections website is the fastest method and requires your driver's license or state ID number.
  • The registration important date is 25 days before Election Day, but you can register and vote on Election Day at your polling location.
  • Each of the five boroughs has its own Board of Elections office where you can register in person or request a paper registration form by mail.

Register online through the New York State website

Online registration is the quickest option and available year-round. Go to the New York State Board of Elections website and select "Register to Vote Online." You will need your driver's license number or non-driver ID number, your date of birth, and your current address in New York City.

The form takes about five minutes to complete. After you submit it, the Board of Elections will mail you a confirmation card to your address. Keep this card — you do not need it to vote, but it confirms your registration status. If you do not receive a confirmation card within two weeks, contact your borough's Board of Elections office to verify your registration went through.

Register by mail using a paper form

You can request a paper voter registration form by calling your borough's Board of Elections office or visiting their website. The five offices are in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it back to the address printed on the form.

Mail registration takes longer than online registration — allow at least two weeks for processing, and three weeks if you are mailing from outside New York City. To be safe, mail your form at least 30 days before Election Day. Like online registration, you will receive a confirmation card in the mail once the Board of Elections processes your form.

Register in person at a Board of Elections office

Each borough has one Board of Elections office open during business hours. In Manhattan, the office is at 32 Broadway; in Brooklyn, at 345 Adams Street; in Queens, at 42-09 28th Avenue; in The Bronx, at 1780 Grand Concourse; and in Staten Island, at 350 St. Mark's Place. Bring a form of identification and proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease.

Registration in person is processed when ready, and you will receive a confirmation card on the spot. This is the fastest way to register if you are close to the important date. Office hours vary by borough and season, so call ahead or check the Board of Elections website before you go.

Register on Election Day at your polling place

If you miss the 25-day important date, you can still register and vote on Election Day itself. Bring a form of identification and proof of your current address to your assigned polling location. A poll worker will help you fill out a registration form, and you will vote when ready after.

Same-day registration is available for all elections — federal, state, and local. However, lines can be long on Election Day, so registering in advance is faster if you have the time. To find your polling place, use the Board of Elections website or call your borough office.

What to bring and what information you need

For any registration method, you will need to provide your full legal name, date of birth, current address in New York City, and citizenship status. You will also need either a driver's license number, state ID number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.

If you are registering in person, bring a photo ID and proof of your current address. Acceptable proof includes a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or government mail with your name and address. If you do not have these documents, call your borough's Board of Elections office — they can sometimes register you without them if you sign an affidavit.

Update your registration if you move or change your name

If you move to a different address in New York City, you must update your registration. You can do this online, by mail, or in person using the same methods as initial registration. Use your new address and the Board of Elections will update your records.

If you move out of New York City or out of New York State, you cannot vote in New York anymore. If you move out of state, your registration will be cancelled automatically after you fail to vote in two consecutive federal elections. If you change your name due to marriage, divorce, or legal change, update your registration with your new name using the same process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register if I have a criminal record?

You can register unless you are currently incarcerated for a felony conviction. Once you are released from prison, your voting rights are restored and you can register when ready. If you are on parole or probation, you can still register and vote.

What if I am not a U.S. citizen yet?

You must be a U.S. citizen to register to vote in New York. If you are a permanent resident or have a visa, you cannot register until you become a citizen. Once you are naturalized, you can register through any of the methods described above.

Do I need to re-register every year?

No. Once you register, you stay registered as long as you live at the same address and continue to vote. You only need to update your registration if you move, change your name, or change your party affiliation.

What happens if I register but then move before Election Day?

If you move within New York City before Election Day, update your registration with your new address so you vote at the correct polling place. If you move out of state, contact your borough's Board of Elections to cancel your registration and register in your new state.

Can I register online if I do not have a driver's license?

You can register online if you have a state ID number or the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you have neither, register by mail or in person at your borough's Board of Elections office.