To vote, you must be registered and you must cast your vote in a designated polling place or mail your ballot by certain deadlines.
Voting in person: When you vote in person, be prepared to greet poll workers and give them your name, address, and your signature. During the pandemic, wear a mask to vote in person. Pens will be provided to you along with voting instructions.
Do you need ID to vote? Generally, you do not need to bring ID to vote in New York. You simply sign your name, which will be compared with the signature the Board of Elections has on file. If, however, you did not provide ID when you registered to vote, you will be asked to provide ID the first time you vote at the polls. Acceptable ID at the polls includes a (i) current and valid photo identification such as a student ID, or (ii) current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or another government document that shows the voter’s name and address. (N.Y. Elec. Law § 8-303).
Some states do require you to bring ID to the polls. Click here to learn more.
Early Voting: In some areas, you may be able to cast your vote in-person early, including Albany County, click here to learn more about this. (Type your street address (which could be your campus address) and zip code into the search boxes). You can also find out more here. 2020 Early Voting Period: October 24 – November 1
Voting by Mail: To apply for a mail-in ballot, visit the New York State Board of Elections page. For more information on how to vote by mail click here.
Absentee ballot voting: You are entitled to obtain and mail an absentee ballot if you're unable to vote from your registered address. Due to COVID-19, many states are making absentee ballot voting easier. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, any New York voter is eligible for an absentee ballot due to the risk of contracting or spreading a communicable disease by checking the “temporary illness” box on the absentee ballot application form. You must apply for and get an absentee ballot before an election and mail it in. Get to know the different requirements each state has for obtaining an absentee ballot.