Local Elections

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Local Elections

What's at Stake in Local Elections

This November, New Yorkers will vote in an important citywide General Election. The General Election will decide the outcome of a number of critical races for Mayor, Public Advocate, Comptroller, Borough Presidents, and a majority of the 51 City Council seats. These key governmental positions will affect our daily lives and determine how we address issues that matter most to New Yorkers, including housing, education, jobs, how the City spends its money, and public safety.

By voting in local elections New Yorkers can preserve democracy, ensure our voices are heard, and help shape our communities. By knowing our rights, registering voters, making voting plans, and educating our communities on new voting systems, we can safeguard our democracy and move toward greater civic engagement across all five boroughs.

Learn about the candidates on your ballot by visiting voter guides published at voting.nyc, electnyc.org and whosontheballot.org.

Registering to Vote

How can I register to vote?

Even during the Covid-19 pandemic, there are safe and easy ways to register to vote in New York:

  • Go to the DemocracyNYC Turbo Platform. If you have a state ID from the Department of Motor Vehicles ("DMV") you will be able to register seamlessly through that system. If you do not have a DMV ID you can choose to receive a pre-filled form and a postage-paid, addressed envelope, or you can print the pre-filled form and mail it immediately. The registration will not be complete until this form is mailed to and processed by the Board of Elections. (You can also download and print voter registration forms from the Board of Elections website.)
  • You can also register in-person at your local County Board of Elections, any DMV office, or a number of other New York State agencies.

Am I eligible to register to vote?

In order to register to vote you must:

  • be a United States citizen;
  • be 18 years old (you may pre-register at 16 or 17 but cannot vote until you are 18);
  • resident of this State and the county, city or village for at least 30 days before the election;
  • not be in prison or on parole for a felony conviction (unless you've been pardoned or restored rights of citizenship);
  • not be adjudged mentally incompetent by a court; and
  • not claim the right to vote elsewhere.

I think I am already registered to vote. How can I find out?

You can check your voter registration status online, or by calling the Board of Elections at 866-868-3692.

When do I have to register to vote in the June 2021 primary election?

The deadline to register to vote in New York is May 28, 2021.
Registration forms sent through the mail (including forms created through the NYC Votes TurboVote platform) must be postmarked no later than May 28 and received by your local County Board of Elections no later than June 2. Forms sent via myDMVonline or completed in-person must be submitted by May 28. In New York, voters must be registered 25 days before an election to be able to vote in that election. If you are planning to register to vote by mail it would be best to do so as soon as possible, given possible delays with the United States Postal Service.

What if I have moved since the last time I voted?

You should update your voter registration with a new address or name. Making these changes is simple.

If the change of address was not processed (or never submitted), and you have moved within New York, you still have the right to vote! You may cast an affidavit ballot at your assigned poll site for your new address. This applies to voters who moved within the same county (e.g., from one Brooklyn (Kings County) address to another Brooklyn address) or between counties (e.g., from Queens to the Bronx). When casting an affidavit ballot due to an address change, the affidavit ballot will be used to update your voter registration for future elections.

How to Vote 

How do I vote?

All New Yorkers have three ways to vote. Choose the best option to make your voice heard during the pandemic.

  • Early Voting: All registered voters can vote early in-person starting 10 days before Election Day. Vote early in-person. Your Early Voting site may be different from your Election Day poll site, so make sure to check before you go at Voting.NYC.
  • Vote by Mail: All registered voters also have the option to vote by mail by requesting an absentee ballot. You can mark the reason as "Temporary illness or disability," which includes the risk of contracting the coronavirus. When you receive your ballot, make sure to sign and date the back of your absentee ballot envelope. After requesting, you can track your absentee ballot here.
  • Election Day: As always, all registered voters can vote in-person on Election Day. Polls are open from 6am-9pm. Find your Election Day poll site here.

Is it safe to vote in person?

Voting in person is safe as long as you follow the Core 4, especially if you choose to go when your voting center is less busy (usually mid-morning or early afternoon). If you can, take advantage of early voting to beat the crowds. NYS has also made absentee ballots available for anyone who prefers to vote from home. Choose whichever you are most comfortable with - the important thing is that you vote!

What steps can I take to stay safe while voting?

Wear a face covering Face coverings are required to enter all polling sites. Protect those around you and wear a face covering correctly (over your nose and mouth).
Practice physical distancing Polling sites will be set up to enforce social distancing. Follow instructions and stay at least 6 feet away from others while at your polling site.
Practice healthy hand hygiene Polling sites will provide hand sanitizer, and you can also bring your own. Use hand sanitizer before and after touching any shared surfaces and wash your hands with soap and water immediately after you get home. Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
Stay home if you are sick Voting is important, but it's more important that you get better before you leave your home and that you take actions to help prevent others from getting sick.
If you don't have an absentee ballot, contact your county's Board of Elections office for guidance about your voting options.

Do I have to bring ID?

New York does not require voters to show identification when voting, except in one circumstance. If you are voting for the first time, and you did not register to vote in-person (i.e., you registered online or via mail), you may be asked to show ID the first time you vote only. You may use the following as ID: driver's license or other government-issued identification card, current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check, or other government document that shows your name and address.

If I want to vote in person, but cannot use a pen to complete the paper ballot, or need other assistance, do I have any options?

Yes, you can bring someone to assist you with voting for any reason (including language access). You can also request assistance from the poll workers or you can use a Ballot Marking Device ("BMD") to help you mark your ballot at the poll site. However, anyone who assists you cannot be your employer nor your union representative.

What is a Ballot Marking Device?

A Ballot Marking Device, also known as a BMD, is a device that can assist you in marking your paper ballot and designed to provide privacy and accessibility to voters at their polling site.

Can I use a Ballot Marking Device?

Yes. All voters, including voters with disabilities, have the right to use a Ballot Marking Device to mark their ballot. The BMD is only used to mark the paper ballot; you need to scan the marked ballot in the counting device to cast your vote. Poll site workers can help voters use the BMDs.

Additional Resources

What if I have more questions?

You want to make sure your vote is counted. If you have any questions or concerns about casting your ballot that aren't answered here, reach out to these organizations for help.
New York City Board of Elections: 866-VOTE-NYC
New York State Board of Elections
Common Cause Election Protection hotline: 866-OUR-VOTE
League of Women Voters
NYC Votes
Disability Rights New York