How to Register to Vote in New York

If you don't vote, you can't complain about your government.

Your ability to vote is one of the most important rights you have as a citizen of the United States of America. It's also one of your greatest responsibilities. Your vote helps determine who will represent you on the local, state, and federal levels of government. Therefore, it is essential that you register to vote and take part in the democratic process. If you're a resident of the state of New York, registering to vote is a simple task that can be accomplished in a short amount of time.

Things You'll Need

• Computer with Internet access
• Printer
• Pen with blue or black ink

Instructions

Obtain Your Voter Registration Form Online

1. Go online to elections.state.ny.us/voting and scroll down to where it says "Registering to Vote." Download a blank form by clicking on "Download English Form." You can also fill out the form online by clicking "Complete English Form Online."

2. Fill out the application form. If you print the blank form, use a pen with either blue or black ink to complete your information. If you choose to fill it out online, type in your information. There are 12 boxes in all that you have to fill out, providing the appropriate information where indicated. If you wish to obtain an absentee ballot or want to be an election day worker, check the appropriate boxes. Also, if you print out an application, sign and date the form in Box 12 of the application when you're finished.

3. Examine the application form to make sure you've provided the correct information. If you decided to fill out the form online, submit it online. If you have filled out an application on paper , fold the application as indicated on the form and mail it to the appropriate County Board of Elections. Your County Board of Elections' address can be found on the registration form. Remember to include proper postage and your return address.

Call For Your Voter Registration Form

1. Call 1-800-FOR-VOTE and request a voter registration form. Provide your name and address and you should be sent an application form in the mail.

2. Complete the registration form after you receive it in the mail. Remember to fill in all 12 boxes and check to ensure the information is correct.

3. Mail the registration form to your County Board of Elections. Look on the form itself to find your specific County Board of Elections. Remember to include the proper postage and your return address.

Register to Vote in Person

1. Go to online to elections.state.ny.us/voting and scroll down to "Registering to Vote." Then click on "County Board of Elections." This will take you to a new screen that shows all of the counties in New York.

2. Click on the county you live in. This will take you to a new screen that provides the information for your specific County Board of Elections. Find the address.

3. Drive to the address listed during business hours. Once you're at the County Board of Elections building, you will be able to obtain the voter registration form and fill it out on site. When you're finished filling it out, you can simply hand it in to the secretary or person in charge.

Tips & Warnings

• In order to register to vote in New York state, you must be a citizen of the United States, 18 years of age, and a resident at your current address for at least 30 days before the election. You cannot be in prison or on parole for a felony. You cannot be eligible or claim the right to vote in any other state.

References

• New York State Board of Elections: Voting
• New York State Board of Elections: Voter Registration Form (PDF)
• New York State Board of Elections: County Boards of Elections Map

Resources

• USA.gov: Registering to Vote and Voting