Early voting is no longer niche in New York. About one-third of New York City’s June primary voters cast their ballot early this year.
Here’s how to do that ahead of the general election this November.
When
Polls open statewide on Oct. 24: consider it a nine-day grace period before Election Day’s hard deadline.
Hours vary by site and day, but state law requires at least eight hours per day on weekends (between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.) plus extended hours until 8 p.m. on at least two weekdays each week. Check your specific site’s hours before you head out.
Where
Outside New York City, you can vote at any early voting site in your county. In NYC, you’re assigned to one specific early voting location—find yours with the voter lookup tool or NYC’s poll site finder.
Either way, your early voting site is often different from your regular Election Day polling place, so it’s worth double-checking rather than assuming.
How
Early voting works exactly like Election Day—you show up, privately mark your ballot, and scan it in. Your vote counts the same way and is included in election-night totals.
What to bring
New York doesn’t require photo ID to vote.
The one exception: if you registered by mail and never provided ID, bring one now—a photo ID, or a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government document showing your name and address.
Show up without it, and you can still vote using an affidavit ballot.
One more thing
Already requested a mail ballot? You can’t vote on a machine at an early voting site—you would need to cast an affidavit ballot instead, and only if you haven’t already returned your mail ballot.
Not sure if you’re registered in the first place? Check your status here before you make the trip.
