Vote early before Election Day
Every NYC voter can vote early in person before Election Day. Voting early is convenient, fast, and flexible.
Where to vote
You must vote at your assigned early voting site. Your early voting site may be different from your Election Day poll site, so make sure to check before you go!
Starting this year, the New York Early Mail Voter Act allows all voters to vote early by mail. You don’t need to provide a reason to vote by mail anymore!
Here’s what you need to know
- Any registered voter can apply for an early mail ballot.
- If you have an early mail or absentee ballot for that election, you cannot use a voting machine at your poll site.
- If you do not use your absentee or early mail ballot, you can only vote in person with an affidavit ballot at your poll site, and not with a voting machine.
How to Apply for an Early Mail Ballot
- Online at https://requestballot.vote.nyc
- For voters with disabilities that need assistance with their ballot, you can request an accessible ballot here: https://requestballot.vote.nyc/accessibility
- In person at your local Board of Elections office.
When to Request your Ballot
Make sure to request an early mail ballot or absentee ballot by mail or online by the deadline which is ten days before the election. You can apply in-person up to the day before an election.
Deadlines to request early mail ballots for 2024 elections
- April 2, 2024 Presidential Primary Election:
- Deadline to apply online or by mail is March 23, 2024
- Deadline to apply in person at your local board of elections office is April 1, 2024
- June 25, 2024 State and Federal Primary Election:
- Deadline to apply online or by mail is June 15, 2024
- Deadline to apply in person at your local board of elections office is June 24, 2024
- November 5 General Election:
- Deadline to apply online or by mail is October 26, 2024
- Deadline to apply in person at your local board of elections office is November 4, 2024
After you Receive your ballot
- Make your choices for each office and circle them on the ballot.
- Place the ballot in the provided security envelope.
- Sign and date the outside of the security envelope.
- Seal the security envelope.
- Place the Security Envelope in the larger return envelope which has the return address of your Board of Elections along with a logo on its front which reads: “Official Election Mail”.
- Seal the Return Envelope.
- Find a mailbox and drop it in there. No postage needed!
Top FAQs
When is early voting?
Early Voting begins 10 days before Election Day and ends on the Sunday before Election Day.
Can I vote early if I requested or submitted an absentee ballot?
If you requested an absentee ballot, then you should plan to vote with it. You can drop off your completed absentee ballot at any early voting site while polls are open. However, if you choose to vote in person after requesting an absentee ballot, you will have to vote with an affidavit ballot at your poll site. This ballot will look different. Ask a poll worker for help if you need it.
What are the benefits of early voting?
Early voting gives voters more flexibility, reduces wait times on Election Day, and eases the burden on poll workers, creating a more pleasant voting experience for everyone!
Why do we vote early?
Early voting was signed into law by the Governor in 2019. It had bipartisan support in the State Senate and Assembly.
