Get ready to vote, New Yorkers
How to register to vote, double-check your details, and vote by mail
Today, September 17th, is National Voter Registration Day. It’s a day of action across the country to make sure Americans are ready to make their voices heard in the upcoming elections.
This November, in addition to electing government officials, New Yorkers will be voting on a ballot proposal related to abortion access and anti-discrimination protections — so you won’t want to sit this election out!
There are two key things that New Yorkers need to do now:
Ensure you’re correctly registered to vote at your current home address
Opt-in to vote by mail or identify your in-person polling site
I’ll point you towards how to do both of those actions. But first…
Isn’t New York solidly “blue”? Why does voting matter?
The Democratic Party candidate for president has won the most votes in New York State in every presidential election since 1988.1 It’s almost guaranteed this trend will continue in 2024.
Given that our system allocates all of New York’s electoral college votes to the presidential candidate who wins the most statewide support, some New Yorkers might consider skipping the effort of voting.
However, there are many elected positions beyond the presidency in our government. In November 2024, New Yorkers will be choosing their representatives in the state Assembly and Senate in Albany, and in the federal House of Representatives and Senate in Washington. All these officials influence your life.
To be honest, most of these legislative elections aren’t very close races, either — at least in New York City. In general, the city continues to be solidly blue, so it’s typically primary elections (which happen earlier in the year) that are more competitive. That said, there are some close general election races in the outer portions of Brooklyn and Queens. The magazine City & State has helpful roundups of New York races to watch this November in the state and federal legislatures.
Beyond elections, access to abortion and anti-discrimination protections are also on the ballot in New York this year. Alongside the November general election, New Yorkers will be asked to vote on an “Equal Rights” amendment to the state constitution that explains anti-discrimination protections and forbids future state actions to restrict access to abortion. Ballot Proposal One will appear on your ballot as the following text:
This proposal would protect against unequal treatment based on ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, and sex, including sexual orientation, gender identity and pregnancy. It also protects against unequal treatment based on reproductive healthcare and autonomy.
A “YES” vote puts these protections in the New York State Constitution.
A “NO” vote leaves these protections out of the State Constitution.
Polling suggests this constitutional amendment is very likely to pass.
You can preview which candidates will be on your ballot in November by entering your home address here:
How to register to vote in New York
Fortunately, New York makes it really easy to register and keep your details up to date. All you need is your name, address, and either the last four digits of your social security number or the number on your New York driver license. Enter those details on this page, and you’re done!
Note: This form will offer to redirect you to the Department of Motor Vehicles to register through their system, but you can just choose “I have a DMV Number but want to use this Portal” to remain on this streamlined registration site.
If you’re already registered, you can double-check your details here:
If you’ve moved home recently, it’s worth updating your registration to ensure you’re voting for the candidates who are responsible for your neighborhood. It also makes sure your polling site is near your new home and/or your vote-by-mail papers are sent to the correct address.
How to vote by mail
New York allows any registered voter to receive their ballot and cast their vote by mail. You might find this more convenient than visiting a polling place in-person. To vote by mail in the November 2024 general election, complete this form by October 26th:
How to vote in-person
If IRL voting is more your thing, you can find where to cast your vote here:
Your assigned polling place is likely to be public school or other government-run facility near your home.
Beyond 2024: In NYC, it’s the primaries that matter
Aside from the few districts where Republicans and Democrats are in close competition in the general election, typically the most consequential time for New Yorkers to wield their votes is during state and city primary elections — especially when there’s an open seat with no incumbent running for re-election.
New York City’s June 2025 primary elections will include many of these “open seats”, where there’ll be a wide-open field, either due to term limits or the incumbent seeking higher office. This applies to the election for city comptroller (essentially chief financial officer), Manhattan’s borough president, and at least six city council seats.
Despite the significant influence these city elected officials have over New Yorkers' lives (they’re responsible for the NYPD, public schools, parks, streets, and land use policy – which determines housing costs – and lots more!), only 27% of registered voters turned out for the 2021 city primary election.2 Though low turnout may undermine democratic legitimacy, it grants disproportionate influence over our city’s future to the New Yorkers who do show up to vote. Will you be one of them?
I’ll have more coverage of New York’s 2025 primary elections in the new year. For now, make sure you’re registered to vote and have a plan to make your voice heard this November, either by mail or at the ballot box.
New York Presidential Election Results, 270toWin
2021-2022 Voter Analysis Report, page 8, New York City Campaign Finance Board