En español | New York’s June 28 and Aug. 23 primary elections will determine which candidates appear on November’s general election ballot for seats in the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, the State Senate and State Assembly and the state Supreme Court, as well as for governor, attorney general and other statewide offices.

What's new this year?

Due to litigation over the state's redistricting maps, New York will hold two primary elections this year. On June 28, voters will cast ballots for statewide offices, including governor, attorney general, and seats in the state Assembly. The primary for U.S. congressional and state senate seats is set to take place on Aug. 23. Also, registered voters who have concerns about contracting or spreading the coronavirus can vote safely from home by requesting an absentee ballot throughout 2022.

Essential info:

• Absentee voting: If you’re ill or disabled, have concerns about COVID-19, or are out of your county or New York City borough on Election Day, you’re eligible to vote absentee. A complete list of qualifications for voting absentee is on the state Board of Elections website. 

• Early in-person voting: Cast your ballot early and at the polls starting June 18 for the June 28 primary, Aug. 13 for the Aug. 23 primary and Oct. 29 for the general election. 

• In-person voting on Election Day: The primaries are set for Tuesday, June 28 and Tuesday, Aug. 23; the general election is Tuesday, Nov. 8. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

How do I register to vote?

• Online: Use the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website. You must have a New York State DMV-issued driver's license, permit or non-driver ID and the last four digits of your Social Security number to register online — and your zip code must be on record with the DMV.

• By mail: Download a voter registration form from the state elections website, print it, fill it out and mail it to your county Board of Elections. You can also request that a registration form be mailed to you through the state Board of Elections (BOE) website or by calling the BOE at 800-367-8683.

• In person: Register at your county Board of Elections or at any New York State agency-based voter registration center, which include city and State Universities of New York, the Office for the Aging and the Department of Social Services. 

You can check the status of your registration on the Board of Elections website. And you can use the downloadable voter registration form to change your name, address or party affiliation. The deadline to register to vote online, by mail or in person is June 3 for the June 28 primary, July 29 for the Aug. 23 primary and Oct. 14 for the general. 

Does my party preference matter when I vote?

Yes, when it comes to voting in a primary. You don’t have to choose a political party when you register to vote. But you must be registered with one to vote in that party’s primary.

How can I get an absentee ballot? Are there important deadlines?

• Online: Request an absentee ballot on the state Board of Elections website starting April 1.

• Mail or phone: Download an application from the state Board of Elections website, fill it out online or by hand, print it and mail it to your local county Board of Elections office. You can also call your local county Board of Elections office and request an application be mailed to you.

• In person: Visit your county Board of Elections office and fill out an application. You can also designate another person to deliver your application to your county Board of Elections office and receive your ballot.

The deadline to complete and submit your application for an absentee ballot is June 13 for the June 28 primary, Aug. 8 for the Aug. 23 primary and Oct. 24 for the general.

Your completed absentee ballot must be postmarked by Election Day - that's June 28 and Aug. 23 for the primaries. The last day to deliver your completed absentee ballot to your local Board of Elections office or polling place in person for the primaries is June 28 and Aug. 23. For the general election, absentee ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 8. And the last day to submit your absentee ballot in person at your local Board of Elections office or polling place is Nov. 8.

Can I track my absentee ballot?

Yes. New York City voters can track their ballots with the city Board of Elections online tracker. Those in the rest of the state should contact their county Board of Elections to track their ballots. New Yorkers who serve in the U.S. military or are overseas can use the state Board of Elections online tracker. 

Can I vote in person before Election Day?

Yes. Early in-person voting begins 10 days before an election  – that’s June 18 for the June 28 primary, Aug. 13 for the Aug. 23 primary, and Oct. 29 for the general. Contact your local county Board of Elections for locations. 

When is Election Day? When are polls open?

New York’s primary elections will take place on Tuesday, June 28 and Aug. 23; the general election is Tuesday, Nov. 8. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Find your polling place online at the state Board of Elections website. If you live in New York City, you can find your polling place with the city’s online locater. 

Do I need identification to vote at the polls?

Only if you’re a first-time voter and didn’t provide ID when you registered to vote. In that case, you’ll need to show a New York state driver’s license or state-issued non-driver ID card, a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or another government document, such as a U.S. passport, that shows your name and address.  

What races are on the ballot?

• U.S. Senate: One seat, currently held by Sen. Chuck Schumer
• U.S. House: 26 seats. New York lost a congressional seat, as determined by population decline in the 2020 census.
• Governor
• Lt. Governor
• Attorney General
• Comptroller
• State Senate: All 63 seats 
• State Assembly: All 150 seats
  

Editor’s note: This guide was updated on May 17 with information about how to vote in 2022. The guide was first published on Aug. 6, 2020.

Also of Interest:

• Stay updated on the 2022 election at AARP.org/election
• Keep up with local events and AARP advocacy efforts at https://states.aarp.org/newyork/