LibGuides: Voting: Register to vote

Requirements for Voting

In order to register to vote in New York State, you must meet the following qualifications:

1) be a United States Citizen

2) be 18 years old by December 31 of the year in which you register to vote (note: you must be 18 years old by the date of the general, primary or other election in which you want to vote)

3) be a resident of this state and the county, city or village you are registering in for at least 30 days before the election

4) not be in prison or on parole for a felony conviction

5) not be adjudged mentally incompetent by a court

6) not claim the right to vote elsewhere (i.e. not also registered to vote in another state, county, city or village)

Voting requirements for all states
Every state has it's own voting registration requirements. Choose the state you wish to register in on this website and it will let you know what the requirements are and what, if any, voter identification materials are required . It also has a useful list of upcoming election dates and deadlines for each state.
Voting Identification requirments
Some states have laws requiring voters to have photo ID to vote and first time voter may be required to show ID. This webpage goes through voter ID requirements for each state, first time voters and any exceptions that might apply.
Can I Vote?
Need help with voting? You've come to the right place. This nonpartisan website was created by state election officials to help eligible voters figure out how and where to go vote.

New York DMV Online Voter registration
If you have a NYS driver license, permit or Non-Driver ID, a zip code currently on record with the DMV and a SSN you can register to vote online in New York State. You can also use this website to update you permanent address or change your party affiliation
Mail In Voter Registration form
If you prefer to mail in your voting form, this link will take you to a PDF which you can print up, fill out and then mail in. The form is available in both English and Spanish
Voting 411- New York
Information on Absentee Ballots, Early voting and Drop Boxes and other important information for NYS election

Voting Absentee or Military

Absentee Voting in New York
This link will take you to a website where you can download an absentee ballot application. If you are registered to vote in New York State, you can vote by mailing in an absentee ballad if (1) you are going to be away from the county you are registered to vote in on election date (2) you can't come to the polls due to a permanent or temporary illness or disability or are a primary caregiver for someone who is ill or disabled, (3) are a resident or patient in a Veterans Health Administration Hospital, or (4) are detained in jail awaiting Grand Jury action or confined in prison after conviction for an offense other than a felony. Remember to get you application in before the deadline
Military Voting
If you are serving in the military, you, your spouse and/or dependents may register as military voters in New York State. This entitles you to absentee ballots for all federal, state and local elections. This link will take to you a state website which has military and overseas voting application and other information about the process