About
Five easy steps to vote by mail in
New York
Updated Oct 12, 2020
Register to vote
Your deadline to register online is October 9. You can register here.
If registering by mail, make sure it's postmarked by October 9, or received by October 9 if done in person!
Get your ballot
To request an absentee ballot, New York requires a valid excuse. COVID-19 is a valid excuse for requesting an absentee ballot.
Make sure your application is received by mail or online by October 27.
Return your application by November 2 if doing so in person.
Fill in your ballot
Make sure you completely fill in your selections and double-check everything you write in.
Not sure where to research candidates and referendums? Resources like BallotReady provide clear, non-partisan explanations for everything.
Sign and seal
Most ballots have specific instructions on how and where to sign and seal both ballot and envelope. Read the instructions carefully.
Mail in or drop off ballot
In New York, your voted ballot must be returned to your local Board of Elections Office, or any early voting location, or any Election Day voting location.
Make sure to drop your ballot off by November 3.
If sending by mail, your ballot needs to be postmarked by November 3, but you want to send it as soon as possible to allow ample time for processing.
