New Yorkers who want to vote in the state’s June 23 primary election have until Friday (May 29) to register online, in person at a local board of elections, or by mailing in a voter registration form.
The deadline affects only those who are not already registered to vote in New York state and want to vote next month.
Political parties will hold primary elections for members of Congress and for the state Assembly and Senate on June 23. It’s also the date for the postponed New York Democratic presidential primary election.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order allowing all New Yorkers to vote by mail next month because of the coronavirus pandemic.
In Central New York’s 24th Congressional District, Dana Balter and Francis Conole will face each other in a Democratic primary. The winner will face Rep. John Katko, R-Camillus, in November.
Republicans in the 126th Assembly District will choose between John Lemondes and Danny Fitzpatrick. The winner will face Dia Carabajal of Auburn in the November election for the seat left vacant by the retirement of Assemblyman Gary Finch, R-Springport.
The Conservative, Independence and SAM Party also will hold primary elections across the state.
Here's what you need to know about voter registration deadlines and eligibility requirements:
What's the last day to register?
If you're not a registered voter, the deadline is Friday, May 29. You can sign up in person at your county Board of Elections or at certain state agencies such as the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Mailed applications must be postmarked by midnight on May 29. The Onondaga County Board of Elections in Syracuse will be open until 5 p.m. May 29 to accept applications.
How do I register to vote?
In New York, there are four ways:
- Register online through the state Department of Motor Vehicles. You’ll need a Social Security number and driver’s license, permit or non-driver ID number to proceed.
- Register by mail: Voter registration forms are available at some libraries, post offices and town and village offices. The form is online at the state Board of Elections website. Print out the form, fill it out and mail it in to your county Board of Elections. Find your county Board of Elections. Or, the state Board of Elections will mail a form to you; request one by calling 1-800-FOR-VOTE.
- Register in person at your county Board of Elections. Find yours.
- Register in person at any number of state agencies, such as the Department of Health, the Department of Labor and Department of Social Services.
Am I eligible to register to vote?
- You must be a U.S. citizen.
- You must be 18 years old by Dec. 31 of the year in which you file the voter registration form, and you must be 18 years old by the date of the general, primary or other election in which you want to vote.
- You must live at your current address for at least 30 days before an election.
- You can’t be in prison or on parole for a felony conviction.
- You can’t have been ruled mentally incompetent by a court.
- You can’t claim the right to vote somewhere else.
What if I'm registered and want to change my party affiliation?
If you're already registered to vote in New York, it's too late to change your party affiliation in time for the federal or state primaries this year. The deadline to change affiliation was Feb. 14. Any changes submitted now will become effective in 2021.
What if I'm registered, but I've moved or changed my name?
You should use the voter registration form as a change of address form.
The state Board of Elections says, “notices of change of address from registered voters received at least 20 days before a special, primary or general election by a county board of elections must be processed and entered in the records in time for that election.”
How do I apply for an absentee ballot?
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, applications for absentee ballots will be mailed automatically to all New Yorkers registered in a political party holding a primary election in their election district.
Absentee ballot applications include prepaid postage to send the application back. The deadline to postmark an application is June 16.
Returned ballots must be postmarked by June 22 and received by June 30.
When will polling sites open?
Polling sites will be open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. June 23 for New Yorkers who want to vote in person.
Polls also will open daily from June 13 through June 21 for early voting. Hours and the number of early-voting locations will vary by county. Check with your county Board of Elections for hours and locations.
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