Before You Vote
A little preparation can make voting easier. Before you cast your ballot:
- Confirm that your voter registration information is current.
- Decide whether you will vote early, by mail, or on Election Day.
- Find your polling location and check voting hours.
- Review important election dates and deadlines.
Check your voter registration and find your polling place using the NYS Voter Lookup.
Vote Early
New York State voters can vote in person before Election Day during the state's nine-day early voting period. Early voting works much like Election Day voting: voters privately mark and scan their ballots at an early voting location.
2026 General Election Early Voting:
- October 24–November 1, 2026
Early voting locations and hours vary by county. To learn more and find early voting information, visit the New York State Early Voting website.
Vote by Early Mail Ballot
Any registered New York voter may apply for an early mail ballot. You do not need to provide a reason for voting this way. Voters can apply online, by mail, or in person through their county Board of Elections.
For the November 3, 2026 General Election:
- October 24: Deadline for your county Board of Elections to receive an online or mailed application for an early mail ballot.
- November 2: Last day to apply in person for an early mail ballot.
- November 3: Last day to postmark or return your completed ballot in person.
Request an early mail ballot: New York State Early Mail Ballot Application
Learn more about voting by mail: New York State — Request a Ballot
Vote by Absentee Ballot
Some voters may qualify to vote by absentee ballot, including voters who will be absent from their county on Election Day or who cannot appear at the polls because of illness or disability.
Learn about eligibility and request an absentee ballot by visiting the New York State — Request a Ballot website.
Vote on Election Day
The 2026 General Election is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
- Polls in New York State are open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Your Election Day polling location may differ from your early voting location, so check your assigned poll site before you go.
Find your Election Day polling place: visit New York State Voter Lookup.
Important 2026 Election Dates
- October 24, 2026 — Voter registration deadline
- October 24–November 1, 2026 — Early voting
- October 24, 2026 — Deadline for mailed/online early mail and absentee ballot applications to be received
- November 2, 2026 — Last day to apply for an early mail or absentee ballot in person
- November 3, 2026 — General Election Day
View all current election deadlines: New York State Registration and Voting Deadlines
Not registered yet? Visit our Voter Registration page to learn how to register or update your registration.