Early &
Mail-in Voting
in New York

Warning: Mail-in voting is a convenient and safe way to vote, but your ballot might not count if it's submitted late or with errors. So follow the directions below on how to vote early or absentee and make your vote count in New York.

Note - this information below may change for your state due to ongoing litigation and legislation. This page will be updated within 24 hours of any change.

Request Your Mail-in BallotEarly VotingChange State

Vote Before Election Day

Vote By Mail Deadlines

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Deadline to Request Ballot (Received by)
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Deadline to Return Ballot (Postmarked By)

In-Person Early Voting

Early voting dates and hours vary by county. Contact your Local Election Office for more information.

You can return your mail-in ballot to your early voting site.

How Vote By Mail Works in New York

Voting by mail is a two step process in New York.

Step 1: Request your ballot NOW. The deadline for your application to be submitted is ten days before Election Day. 

Step 2: Complete and return your ballot ASAP.

  • Return in person to your early voting site by the Sunday before Election Day OR to your county elections office or polling place by 9 p.m. on Election Day.
  • Or mail your ballot  - ballots must be postmarked by Election Day to be counted. To make your postmark date, put the ballot into your home mailbox for collection at least one day prior to ensure it is picked up and processed. You can also drop the ballot off at the post office before the last posted collection time on Election Day. We recommend returning ASAP.

Request Your Ballot See Your Ballot Look Up Ballot Drop Off Locations

You may vote by mail for any reason

You don’t need an excuse to request an absentee ballot. You can vote by mail for any reason.

Remember to Sign Your Return Ballot

After you have completed your ballot, sign and date the outside of the security envelope.

Be sure that your signature matches your signature on file with the state! If you registered online or at the DMV, check the signature on your license. If the signature does not match, your ballot could be tossed and will not count.

Use The Right Form of ID

Voters in NY do not need to submit ID when voting by mail, but the signature on their voter registration form must match the signature on their ballot.

How You Can Return Your Mail-in Ballot

By Mail

Your postage is prepaid.

In Person

  • Local elections office
  • Early voting locations
  • Polling place

Any designated person can drop off a ballot for you.

Look Up Ballot Drop Off Locations

Make Sure Your Mail-in Vote Counts

Click here to track your ballot. Your state offers ballot tracking to military and overseas voters.

Additionally, New York City offers ballot tracking for absentee voters. Click here to access.

Haven't used your ballot?

If you have an absentee ballot that you are not going to use, or you miss the deadline to return it, you may go to your polling place and vote in person. You will be issued an affidavit ballot to vote. It will be counted once it is confirmed that your ballot was not completed and received. 

 

Election Protection Hotline

The national, nonpartisan Election Protection coalition was formed to ensure that all voters have an equal opportunity to participate in the political process. Made up of more than 100 local, state and national partners, Election Protection works year-round to advance and defend the right to vote.

Call 866-OUR-VOTE if you need assistance.

More about voting in New York

Find your polling place, ID laws, and more about voting for the first time below.


Voting Info for New York First Time Voter Info