Early voting for the general election in New York City has begun and will run through Oct. 31.
The process is similar to what you’d go through on Election Day, but with more flexibility and potentially shorter lines. Early voting is available to all registered voters.
Early voting locations may be different from polling sites on Election Day on Nov. 2. New Yorkers can find their polling sites here or here.
The New York City Board of Elections is also publishing a map that shows wait times at early voting poll sites.
Unlike in June, there is no ranked-choice voting in this election.
Races on the ballot include mayor, city comptroller, public advocate, City Council and borough president.
When can I vote?
Here are the dates and times of early voting:
- Saturday, Oct. 23: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday, Oct. 24: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Monday, Oct. 25: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Tuesday, Oct. 26: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Wednesday, Oct. 27: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Thursday, Oct. 28: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 29: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 30: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday, Oct. 31: from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
As long as you enter your poll site before polls close, you will be able to cast your ballot.
On Election Day on Nov. 2, polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
You don’t need to apply to vote early. And, as is the case whenever you vote, you don’t need to bring an ID unless you’re a first-time voter who did not register to vote in person.
New Yorkers choosing not to vote in person can vote by mail. Voters can apply for absentee ballots here, or request one in person at their borough’s Board of Elections office.
Oct. 18 was the deadline for the Board of Elections to get your absentee ballot application by mail, by email, by fax or online.
Nov. 1 is the deadline to apply in person for an absentee ballot.
Safety protocols
Workers at voting sites will take precautions to keep themselves and voters safe from the coronavirus. They’ll be social distancing, wearing masks, and disinfecting when and where they can. If you go to vote, you must wear a face covering or you will not be allowed in.
The city recommends voters use hand sanitizer before and after touching any shared surfaces, such as the poll booth or pens, and wash their hands with soap and water immediately once they get home.
To make sure voters keep at least six feet apart at the poll site, stickers will show how far apart to stand in line. Poll workers are disinfecting when and where they can, and there are screen guards meant to protect you — and poll workers as well. And the city’s Board of Elections mandates that each polling location is professionally cleaned.
Although everyone should vote, the city advises you stay home if you are sick and vote another day. If you cannot and don’t have an absentee ballot, contact your local Board of Elections office to find out your voting options.
For additional information on voting in the general election, visit voting.nyc or see our Election Guide.
------
Did you know you can now watch, read and stay informed with NY1 wherever and whenever you want? Get the new Spectrum News app here.
------
Looking for an easy way to learn about the issues affecting New York City?
Listen to our "Off Topic/On Politics" podcast: Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Spotify | iHeartRadio | Stitcher | RSS