Voting for New Americans and First-Time Voters

Are you a first time voter in New York State? Whether you are participating in your first election as a new citizen or have reached voting age, make your voice heard through the ballot box. 

Learn how to register to vote, where to find information on the candidates, when, where, and how to cast your ballot, and make sure you know your voting rights.

Important Dates for the 2024 General Election in New York City:

• October 26: Deadline to register to vote
• October 26: Deadline to request an absentee ballot or request to vote early by mail (if making your request in person at the Board of Elections, you have until November 4)
• October 26–November 3: In-person early voting takes place
• November 5: Election Day! Vote in person at your poll site

Let’s get started! Note that the following information is specific to New York City. 

You can register to vote in person, by mail, or online. Make sure you register before the New York State deadline on Saturday, October 26. Register using Turbovote—it only takes minutes! Visit VoteNYC to learn more.

Not sure if you’re already registered? Check your registration status.

Make sure you learn about voter ID Requirements. In New York State, if you are a new voter who is registering by mail, you will be required to show identification when you go to vote for the first time. If you are already registered at the Board of Elections or a State Agency, you should not have to show identification at the polls. It is advisable for all new voters to bring identification when voting for the first time. Learn more about voter ID requirements.

There are three ways to vote in the 2024 General Election: 

1. Vote early by mail or absentee ballot.
2. Vote early in person.
3. Vote in person on Election Day.

All options are equally important and valid. It’s just a matter of what's more convenient for you!

1. Vote Early by Mail or Absentee Ballot 

Request to vote early by mail or absentee ballot by October 26. 

What's the difference between the two?

Early voting: Any registered voter may apply for an early mail ballot. 

Absentee voting: For voters unable to vote in person due to being absent from the five boroughs on Election Day, due to an illness or disability or being the primary caretaker of someone ill or disabled, due to being a resident or patient of a Veterans Health Administration Hospital, or due to being in jail or prison for any reason other than felony conviction.

Return an early mail-in ballot or absentee ballot in any of the following ways:

• Put it in the mail ensuring it receives a postmark no later than November 5. It must be received by the County Board of Elections no later than November 12.
• Bring it to an early voting poll site in your county between October 26 and November 3.
• Bring it to your County Board of Elections Office or poll site in your county no later than November 5 by 9 PM. 

2. Vote Early In Person

Vote in person ahead of Election Day between October 26 and November 3. 

Early voting poll sites have varying opening hours, so it is important to check the hours before you go. Find your poll site using your address or call the Voter Phone Bank: +1-866-VOTE-NYC (+1-866-868-3692). 

3. Vote in Person on Election Day

Election Day is Tuesday, November 5. Polls are open 6 AM–9 PM. Not sure where to go to vote? Find your poll site using your address or call the Voter Phone Bank: +1-866-VOTE-NYC (+1-866-868-3692). Note that your early voting poll site is displayed at the top; scroll down for your Election Day polling site.

Research who is running for office nationally and in your area, for what positions, where they stand on the issues that you care about, and how they align with your values. Cast your vote for every position listed on your ballot—beyond just the President, all elected officials have an impact on our daily lives. Learn about how to research candidates and how to research the issues.

Of special relevance for first-time voters, you have the right to:

• Ask a poll worker for help.
• Bring any voting materials with you. 
• Use an interpreter if you need language assistance. 
• Take two paid hours off from work at the beginning or end of your shift if polls are open for less than 4 hours before your shift starts and after it ends. 

Good to know: By law, New York City ballots and other voting materials are translated into Bengali, Chinese, Korean, and Spanish at certain poll sites based on local Census Data. Interpreters are available at some poll sites to provide assistance in these languages and others, such as Arabic, Haitian Creole, Russian, and Yiddish.

Additionally, the VoteNYC website has a pull-down menu (look for it in the upper right corner) to translate the site’s text into Spanish, Bengali, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, or Korean. 

Learn more about your rights as a voter in New York City.

Problem at the polls? 

You can call the NYC Board of Elections about any issues at your poll site. Call 1-866-Vote-NYC (1-866-868-3692). 

You can also report an election day issue to the National Partnership for New Americans’ Voter Protection Hotlines:

• English: 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683)
• Spanish/English: 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682)
• Arabic/English: 844-YALLA-US (844-925-5287)
• AAPI Languages/English: 888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683) 

Nervous you won’t know what to do at your polling site? Check out the What To Expect section in this guide from NYC Votes.

Participating in elections is one of the most important actions you can take as a citizen. Make your plan to vote and encourage your friends and family to do the same. Then cast your ballot and ensure your voice is heard! 

Find free events and programs, recommended reading, and more from NYPL in the runup to the general election on November 5, 2024, with our complete guide.

Happy voting!