Election Guide 2020 - Banner

Key Dates and Deadlines

Fri, Oct. 9 In-person voter registration deadline, postmark deadline for mail-in registration
Wed, Oct. 14 Change of address deadline
Tue, Oct. 27 Absentee ballot application postmark deadline
Mon, Nov. 2 In-person absentee ballot application deadline
Tue, Nov. 3 ELECTION DAY, postmark ballot deadline
Tue, Nov. 10 Receipt deadline for absentee ballots

Early Voting: Saturday, October 24 through Sunday, November 1

Register to Vote

Fri, Oct. 9: Voter Registration Deadline
Register to vote or check your registration status.

Absentee/Mail-In Voting

Tue, Oct. 27: Request Absentee/Mail-In Ballot Deadline

Tue, Nov. 3: Absentee/Mail-In Postmark by Date

Tue, Nov. 10: Absentee/Mail-In Delivered By Date


1. Request an absentee ballot. Print it out, sign it and mail the request form back to your county board of elections. New York State residents can also request a ballot online.

2. Receive your ballot in the mail.

3. Fill your ballot out. You can mail it back or deliver it in person to your local county elections board.

Early In-Person Voting

Sat, Oct. 24 Early Voting Begins

Any eligible voter can also vote early in-person at your county board of elections. New York offers nine days of early voting before Election Day.

In-person Voting

Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

If you've voted in New York before, registered in person, or provided ID when you registered to vote, you do not need to show ID at your polling site. First-time voters and those who did not provide ID when they registered should bring a photo ID. The election inspector or clerk will also accept a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government document that shows your name and address.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I become a poll worker, and what do poll workers do?
This year, New York is experiencing a shortage of poll workers due to COVID-19. Poll workers are needed during early voting and throughout Election Day. They help set up voting equipment and sign-in and process voters. They can also demonstrate how to vote and provide assistance when needed. This year, they will also be asked to help enforce social distancing and sanitize equipment. Find out about how to become a poll workerhere.

How do I change my party enrollment?
New York's voter registration form can be used as a change of address form and a change of party enrollment form. New York is a closed primary state, meaning voters must be enrolled with a party to vote in that party's primary. Find out about change of enrollment policies here.

I'm in the armed forces or live overseas, how do I vote?
People serving in the military, along with their spouses and dependents, can register as a military voter. To register, you must complete a Federal Post Card Application and return it to your county board of elections. The application serves as an absentee ballot application for two election cycles. You can choose to have your ballot mailed, faxed or emailed to you, but all ballots must be returned by mail to your county board of elections. Find out how to register, tack your ballot, and learn important deadlines here.

I have a disability and I am concerned about accessibility at my polling site. What are my options?
The New York State Board of Elections offers accessible polling sites, and trains its poll workers to assist any voter who requests it, regardless of reason. In addition, the state also offers an accessible absentee ballot. Find out more about New York's efforts to meet voter accessibility needs here.