When is the primary election?

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Early voting began June 12 and lasts through June 20.

When is the last day I can register to vote before the election?

The New York state voter registration form was due on May 28.

How do I register to vote in New York state?

  • You can register in person at your county Board of Elections
  • You can also apply to register to vote at a host of New York State agency offices. See a full list
  • You can request that a voter registration application form be mailed to you on the state Board of Elections website, or you can call 1-800-FOR-VOTE
  • You can submit that voter application form to your local DMV. You can also register to vote on the DMV website if you already have a DMV-issued ID, such as a driver's license
  • The state Board of Elections makes a registration form available on its website. It can be either filled out on a computer and then printed out, or it can be printed and filled out by hand. Once filled out, it must be mailed to your county Board of Elections

If you move, you should notify the Board of Elections immediately. A state law requires a New Yorker to notify the BOE within 25 days of an address change to preserve their voting rights.

See if you're registered to vote.

Can I vote without having to go to a poll site in person?

Yes, New Yorkers are encouraged to vote absentee because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Voters can apply online.

The “temporary illness” category has been expanded to cover voters affected by coronavirus or facing the potential of contracting it.

June 15 is the deadline to postmark an application for an absentee ballot or send an email or fax for an absentee ballot application.

June 21 is the deadline to apply in person for an absentee ballot.

Absentee ballots must be postmarked by June 22 and reach the Board of Elections no later than June 29 to be counted. No plans have been confirmed at this time to extend the postmark date, as was the case last year.

You can also drop off your signed absentee ballot at:

If you drop off your absentee ballot at a poll site or at a local Board of Elections office, it does not require postage, but the BOE recommends two stamps if you mail it to ensure it has enough postage.

What if I still want to vote in person?

Poll sites will still be open across the state.

Hours are different if you are voting early. New York’s early voting period began June 12 and lasts through June 20.

If you would like to vote in person, doing so during this time allows for voter traffic to be spread out so there are fewer people at polling places on Election Day.

Workers at voting sites will take precautions to keep themselves and voters safe. They’ll be social distancing, wearing masks, and disinfecting when and where they can. If you go to vote, you should do the same.

Because of expanded absentee voting some winners may not be announced until days or weeks after Election Day.

The winner of each primary will be that party's nominee in the general election. The winner of the general elections on November 2 will be elected to office.

How to find my poll site, and find out what's on my ballot?

Check your county's Board of Elections website.

I am not enrolled in a political party. Can I vote in primary elections?

No. New York state's primaries are closed primaries, meaning only members of that particular political party can vote in a primary election.

What if I want to change my party affiliation?

It's too late. You would have had to do so by the middle of February.

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