It’s Election Day in New York, and polls across all five boroughs are open from 6 am to 9 pm today, Tuesday, November 3.
Whether you’re voting before work, on your lunch break or on your way home, here’s everything you need to know to get in, cast your ballot and get on with your day.
One important thing first: anyone already in line at 9 pm can still vote, so don’t turn around when you see a crowd.
Here is everything you need to know for today.
Where to vote near me
On Election Day you have to vote at your assigned poll site, and it may not be the same place you’d go for early voting.
The fastest way to find yours is the city’s Find My Poll Site tool.
Just type in the address where you’re registered, and it’ll show your polling place, its hours and a sample ballot.
Poll sites can change between elections, so it’s worth a quick check even if you’ve voted at the same school gym for years.
For help, the Board of Elections hotline is 1-866-VOTE-NYC (1-866-868-3692).
What are we voting for today?
The front of the ballot covers some big statewide races, plus your local reps:
- Governor and lieutenant governor
- Attorney general
- State comptroller
- U.S. House of Representatives
- State Senate and State Assembly
- Some judges, depending on where you live
Don’t forget to flip it over!
The back has five yes-or-no NYC ballot proposals covering things like outdoor dining approvals, construction permits and a rainy-day fund for the city.
We broke down each one in our early voting guide, and you can preview your exact ballot through the poll site finder.
You might also notice some candidates listed more than once. That’s normal in New York, where candidates can run on more than one party line.
Can I still register to vote?
Unfortunately, the deadline to register for this election was October 24.
Not sure you’re registered? You can check your status with the state’s voter lookup.
And if you show up and your name isn’t on the list, don’t leave.
You have the right to vote by affidavit ballot, which is counted once your registration is confirmed.
Do I need ID to vote?
Most New Yorkers don’t.
The exception is first-time voters who didn’t provide ID when they registered, who may be asked to show it at the poll site.
Still have an absentee ballot?
You’ve still got time! You can drop it off at any poll site in your county by 9 pm tonight, or at a Board of Elections office.
Mailing it works too, as long as it’s postmarked today and arrives by November 11.
Is the post office open on Election Day?
Yes. Election Day isn’t a federal holiday, so post offices are open and mail is being delivered as usual.
If you’re mailing a ballot today, take it to the counter and ask for a hand-stamped postmark so it’s dated today.
USPS has told its offices to set up ballot postmark lines through Election Day.
What else is open and closed today
- NYC public schools: a remote learning day for students this year, according to Chalkbeat, so expect kids at home but logged in.
- Alternate side parking: suspended for Election Day, though meters are still in effect.
That’s it!
Find your poll site, flip over your ballot and grab your “I Voted” sticker.