New York: Election Tools, Deadlines, Dates, Rules, and Links

New York absentee ballots

• Absentee ballot application deadlines

  • In Person: Received 1 day before Election Day.
  • By Mail: Received 15 days before Election Day.
  • Online: Received 15 days before Election Day

• Voted absentee ballots are due

  Postmarked on Election Day and received 7 days after Election Day. Voted ballots can also be turned in by hand on election day.

• Absentee ballot rules

  You may vote by absentee ballot in New York if you expect to be:

  • Absent from your county or, if a resident of New York City, absent from New York City, on Election Day.
  • Unable to appear at the polling place because of illness or physical disability or duties related to the primary care of one or more individuals who are ill or physically disabled, or because you will be or are a patient in a hospital.
  • A resident or patient of a Veterans Health Administration Hospital.
  • Detained in jail awaiting Grand Jury action or confined in prison after conviction for an offense other than a felony.

• How to get an absentee ballot in New York

  1. Use our Absentee Ballot Tool to prepare your application.
  2. Sign and date the form. This is very important!
  3. Return your completed application to your Local Election Office as soon as possible. We'll provide the mailing address for you.
  4. All Local Election Offices will accept mailed or hand-delivered forms. Your Local Election Official will also let you fax or email the application.
  5. Double-check the deadlines and be sure to cast your voted ballot on time to be sure it is counted.
  6. Please contact your Local Election Office if you have any further questions about the exact process.

• Once you get your absentee ballot in New York

  1. Once you receive the ballot, carefully read and follow the instructions.
  2. Sign and date where indicated.
  3. Mail your voted ballot back to the address indicated on the return envelope.
  4. Double-check the deadlines and be sure to cast your voted ballot on time to be sure it is counted.