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.
You can vote early in your state before Election Day. Early voting begins on 10/26/2024 and ends on 11/03/2024
You can return your mail-in ballot to your early voting site.
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.
You don’t need an excuse to request an absentee ballot. You can vote by mail for any reason.
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.
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.
Your postage is prepaid.
Any designated person can drop off a ballot for you.
Look Up Ballot Drop Off LocationsClick 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.
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.
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.
Find your polling place, ID laws, and more about voting for the first time below.