The general election is on November 3, 2020! COVID-19 has made voting more complicated this year, and NCJW NY wants to make sure that everyone has the opportunity and ability to vote safely this Election Day. New York State continues to take steps to expand voting access, and we will do all we can to keep you up to date with the latest information.

Please take a few minutes to review the information below and make a plan on how you will vote this year.

Step 1: Register to vote:
To vote in the 2020 General Election, New Yorkers must mail or submit their registration by October 9, 2020. You can register to vote here: https://www.elections.ny.gov/votingregister.html

You can also check your voter registration status here: https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov/

Step 2: Vote!

New Yorkers have three options for voting:

1) Vote By Mail: Anyone can request an absentee ballot. You also have the option of requesting an absentee ballot and deciding closer to the election if you want to mail it in, bring the ballot to a poll site or vote at a poll site (please note it is illegal to vote twice. If you vote using your absentee ballot you cannot vote again at the polling site).

You must apply online, postmark, email, or fax a completed application or letter request for the General Election Absentee ballot by October 27, 2020. You can request your absentee ballot online or by email, by phone, or by mail.

When applying for an absentee ballot, voters may select “Temporary illness or physical disability” on the form. This includes the potential for contraction/community spread of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Ballots can be mailed or dropped into designated drop boxes at your county Board of Elections Office starting now, at early voting sites from October 24 – November 1, and at polling sites on Election Day. New York State requires your ballot to be both postmarked by November 3, 2020 and received by your Board of Elections by November 10, 2020. Voters who mail in their ballots on Election Day must be aware of the posted collection times on collection boxes and at the Postal Service’s retail facilities, and that ballots entered after the last posted collection time will not be postmarked until the following business day. When mailing your completed ballot, the USPS recommends that voters allow enough time for ballots to be returned to the Board of Elections, which is generally, seven days ahead of the general election.

While your absentee ballot will come with a pre-paid return envelope, some experts have suggested that the addition of a first-class stamp may guarantee swift delivery of the ballot to your local Board of Elections.

Update: 10/29/20
If you have not yet mailed your ballot, DON’T! Drop it off in person to avoid delays reported by the USPS. Use one of the secure ballot boxes at any early voting or election day poll site (you don’t have to wait in line!).
 
If you are voting in person, remember to:
• Bring your Fast Pass for contactless check-in (optional)
• Follow floor markers to maintain 6 feet distance
• Use hand sanitizer or wipes available
• Wear a mask!

2) Vote Early: The Early Voting period for the November General Election will be October 24, 2020- November 1, 2020. Your early poll site may be different than your election day poll site. Find your early voting polling site and the schedule for early voting here:  https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov/

3) Vote on Election Day: Election day is Tuesday, November 3rd! Polls will be open across the state from 6 AM- 9 PM. Find your polling place here: https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov/

***Please note that due to COVID-19 complications, information on your polling site may not be available until closer to the election. Please check back regularly to find the most up to date information.**** 
If you need help applying for an absentee ballot, have questions about how to return your ballot or have questions about where your polling site is located, please reach out to our social work intern, Lindsay Reich, at lindsay@ncjwny.org or 646-884-9467. 
Other ways to make a difference this election: 
  • Due to COVID-19, we are facing a shortage of poll workers. This year it is more important than ever to avoid long lines and crowds at poll sites. Some areas in the state are considering closing some polling sites due to the shortage of poll workers. If you are under 60 years old and in good health, please consider becoming a poll worker. You can learn more and apply to become a poll worker in New York here: https://www.elections.ny.gov/BecomePollworker.html
  • Join us in our VoteForward Letter writing campaign and virtual letter writing party to encourage underrepresented voters in key states to vote this November. Find out more and sign up here: https://www.ncjwny.org/event/voteforward/
Additional Voting resources: