Board of Elections

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register to vote?
You may register at your local board of elections or any state agency participating in the National Voter Registration Act, on any business day throughout the year. Alternatively, you can download a .pdf version of the Voter Registration Form from our website, and mail it to your county board of elections.
How do I change my name and address?
Complete the Voter Registration Form with the new information, and mail it to your county board of elections. If you are moving to a new county you will have to re-register to vote. Send your voter registration form with the new information to your new county board of elections. You can obtain a Voter Registration Form from your local board of elections or any state agency participating in the National Voter Registration Act, on any business day throughout the year. Alternatively, you can download a .pdf version of the Voter Registration Form from our website.
How do I change my enrollment?
If you wish to change your enrollment from one party to another or from not-enrolled to a party, send a Voter Registration Form with your new choice to your county board of elections. The board will notify you when the change takes place, by Law, after the next general election.
I am a victim of domestic violence, how can I protect myself when I register to vote? What about voting at my poll site?
N.Y. Election Law (5-508) allows victims of domestic violence who obtain a court order from NY Supreme Court in the county where they are registered to have their voter registration record kept separate and apart from other registration records and not be made available for inspection or copying by the public or any other person, except election officials acting within the course and scope of their official duties. Under a separate section of the law (11-306), you can also be excused from going to your polling place to vote and get a special ballot. For further information, you should contact your local board of elections for their confidential registration and special ballot procedures.
How do I file a complaint or find out information about enforcement?
If you wish to file a complaint or inquire about enforcement action you may contact the Enforcement Counsel at:
Risa S. Sugarman
Chief Enforcement Counsel
Division of Election Law Enforcement
NYS Board of Elections
40 North Pearl Street
Albany, NY 12207
518-486-7858
enforcement@elections.ny.gov.
Where do I go to vote?
Look up your voter registration and find your polling place (External Link) or contact your county board of elections.
When is the next election?
The following elections will occur this year:

  • Local Primary Election: June 25, 2019
  • General Election: November 5, 2019

For more information regarding filing or registration dates or deadlines refer to the Political Calendar.

What hours are polling places open?
Primary Elections
In New York City and the counties of Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland, Orange, Putnam, Dutchess and Erie, POLLS OPEN AT 6 AM - CLOSE AT 9 PM. In all other counties, POLLS OPEN AT 12 NOON and CLOSE AT 9 PM.
General Election
POLLS OPEN AT 6 AM - CLOSE AT 9 PM
When are Campaign Finance filings due?
For Campaign Finance filing deadlines, consult the Campaign Finance Filing Calendar (pdf 107KB), or visit the Filing Calendars page.