What you need to know about New York voter registration

To vote in New York State, you must first register with your county board of elections. Registration is free and takes about 10 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 DMV or county board of elections office.

New York has a registration important date: you must be registered at least 25 days before Election Day to vote. If you miss that important date, you cannot vote in that election, though you can still register for future elections. Registration stays active as long as you keep voting or update your address when you move.

Key Takeaways

  • You can register online at the New York State Board of Elections website, by mail using a voter registration form, or in person at your county board of elections or DMV.
  • Registration closes 25 days before Election Day, so you must complete it well in advance to vote in an upcoming election.
  • You must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old on Election Day, and a New York State resident to register.
  • If you move to a new address within New York, you can update your registration online or by mail without re-registering from scratch.
  • You can check your registration status anytime on the New York State Board of Elections website by entering your name and date of birth.

Online registration through the New York State Board of Elections

The fastest way to register is online at the New York State Board of Elections website (elections.ny.gov). You will need your driver's license number or the last four digits of your Social Security number, your date of birth, and your current address. The form takes about five minutes to complete.

After you submit your online registration, the system will confirm receipt. You should receive written confirmation by mail within two to three weeks. If you do not receive confirmation, contact your county board of elections to check the status. Online registration is open year-round, but remember that registrations submitted after the 25-day important date before an election will not be processed in time for that election.

Paper registration by mail

You can also register by mail using the New York State Voter Registration Form. You can read this form from the New York State Board of Elections website, or request one by calling your county board of elections. Fill out the form completely, sign it, and mail it to your county board of elections office.

Mail registration takes longer than online registration. The form must arrive at your county board of elections at least 25 days before Election Day for you to vote in that election. Because mail delivery varies, it is safer to mail your form at least 30 days before the election. Include your full name, date of birth, current address, and citizenship status on the form.

In-person registration at the DMV or county board of elections

You can register in person at any New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office or at your county board of elections office. At the DMV, you can register when you explore for or renew your driver's license or state ID. You can also walk in to your county board of elections office during business hours to register on the spot.

In-person registration is when ready — you will know right away that your registration was received. However, you will still receive written confirmation by mail. County board of elections offices are usually open Monday through Friday during business hours, though some offer extended hours before elections. Call your county board of elections to find the office nearest you and confirm their hours.

Who can register to vote in New York

You must meet four requirements to register in New York. First, you must be a U.S. citizen. Second, you must be at least 18 years old on or before Election Day — you can register before you turn 18 if the election is after your birthday. Third, you must have lived in New York State for at least 30 days before the election. Fourth, you cannot be currently incarcerated for a felony conviction, though you can register once you are released.

If you are not sure whether you meet these requirements, you can still submit a registration form. The county board of elections will review it and contact you if there is a problem. You can also call your county board of elections to ask questions before you register.

Updating your registration if you move or change your name

If you move to a new address within New York State, you can update your registration online or by mail without starting over. Go to the New York State Board of Elections website and select the option to update your address, or mail a new voter registration form with your new address. You do not need to cancel your old registration first.

If you change your name — for example, after marriage or divorce — you can update your registration the same way. Submit a new registration form or update online with your new name and current address. The county board of elections will merge your old and new records so you do not end up registered twice.

Checking your registration status

You can check whether you are registered to vote anytime on the New York State Board of Elections website. Enter your name and date of birth, and the system will show your registration status, your polling place, and your district information. This tool is useful if you are not sure whether your registration went through or if you want to confirm your polling location before Election Day.

If the system shows you are not registered, or if your information is incorrect, you can register or update your information right away. Remember that if the election is fewer than 25 days away, your registration may not be processed in time for that election, but it will be active for future elections.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I register to vote if I am not yet a U.S. citizen?

No. You must be a U.S. citizen to register to vote in New York. If you are in the process of becoming a citizen, you can register once your citizenship is official. You will need to provide proof of citizenship when you register.

What happens if I register after the 25-day important date?

Your registration will be processed, but it will not be active in time for the upcoming election. You will be able to vote in the next election after your registration is complete. This is why registering early is important if you want to vote in a specific election.

Can I register at more than one address if I own property in multiple counties?

No. You can only be registered to vote at one address — the one where you actually live. You vote where you reside, not where you own property. If you move between counties, update your registration to your new address.

Do I need to re-register every year?

No. Once you register, you stay registered as long as you keep voting or update your address when you move. You do not need to do anything each year unless your address changes or you want to change your party affiliation.

What if I registered online but never received confirmation in the mail?

Contact your county board of elections and provide your name and date of birth. They can look up your registration and tell you whether it was processed. If there was a problem, they can help you register again or correct any errors in your information.