When is the special election for New York's 26th district?

Tuesday, April 30, 2024

Early Voting runs April 20, 2024 – April 28, 2024.

When is the last day I can register to vote before the election?

Applications must be received by a board of elections no later than April 20 to be eligible to vote in the special election. 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, but to be eligible to vote, your application must be received no later than April 20. If you are already registered, the deadline to change your party affiliation has already past.

How do I register to vote in New York state?

  • You can register in person at your county Board of Elections
  • You can also apply to register to vote at a host of New York State agency offices. See a full list
  • You can request that a voter registration application form be mailed to you on the state Board of Elections website, or you can call 1-800-FOR-VOTE
  • You can submit that voter application form to your local DMV. You can also register to vote on the DMV website if you already have a DMV-issued ID, such as a driver's license
  • The state Board of Elections makes a registration form available on its website. It can be either filled out on a computer and then printed out, or it can be printed and filled out by hand. Once filled out, it must be mailed to your county Board of Elections

If you move, you should notify the Board of Elections immediately. A state law requires a New Yorker to notify the BOE within 25 days of an address change to preserve their voting rights.

See if you're registered to vote.

Can I vote without having to go to a poll site in person?

Yes, New Yorkers are allowed to request an absentee ballot for several reasons. Voters can access the application online.

April 20 is the deadline to postmark an application for an absentee ballot or send an email or fax for an absentee ballot application.

April 29 is the deadline to apply in person for an absentee ballot.

Absentee ballots being mailed must be postmarked by April 30 and reach the Board of Elections no later than May 7 to be counted.

You can also drop off your signed absentee ballot at:

If you drop off your absentee ballot at a poll site or at a local Board of Elections office, it does not require postage, but the state Board of Elections recommends two stamps if you mail it to ensure it has enough postage.

What if I still want to vote in person?

Poll sites will still be open across the state.

Hours are different if you are voting early. The early voting period for the NY-26th special election begins April 20 and lasts through April 28.

If you would like to vote in person, doing so during this time allows for voter traffic to be spread out so there are fewer people at polling places on Election Day.

Because of expanded absentee voting some winners may not be announced until days or weeks after Election Day.

------

Did you know you can now watch, read and stay informed with Spectrum News wherever and whenever you want? Get the new Spectrum News app here.