Polls open across New York state on Saturday for the first presidential election since the depths of the pandemic. Early voting will take place for nine days, through Sunday, November 3. On Election Day on Tuesday, November 5, in-person turnout is expected to surpass levels seen four years ago.

New York voters will choose not only their candidates for president and vice president, but also one U.S. senator and dozens of seats in Congress, the legislature and the judiciary.

There is also a statewide ballot question that would add protections against abortion, plus additional safeguards against discrimination, to the state constitution. For New York City voters, five more ballot questions seek to change aspects of the New York City Charter, the city’s version of a constitution.

Here’s what you need to know to cast your vote.

How do I ensure my voter registration is up to date?

If you have previously registered to vote in New York, you must still be registered to vote. But if you’ve moved or haven’t participated in federal elections in a while, it’s worth checking your registration status.

You can confirm your voter registration with the New York City Board of Elections here or by calling 866-868-3692.

Outside of the city, you can check your information with the State Board of Elections here.

What if I need to register to vote?

The last day to register to vote is the first day of early voting: Saturday, October 26, 2024.

New York City residents can register online here.

Residents in the rest of New York State can register online here.

Who can register and vote?

To vote in the upcoming election, you must be a U.S. citizen registered no later than Saturday, October 26, 2024, and you must be 18 years old on Election Day on Tuesday, November 5. New York State allows residents ages 16 and 17 to pre-register to vote so they are immediately eligible to vote when they turn 18. You must also be a resident of the place where you are registering at least 30 days before the election.

You cannot register or vote if you are in prison for a crime, have been declared mentally incapacitated by a court, or if you are claiming the right to vote in another location.

Where should I go to vote?

If you cast a vote during early voting in New York City, you will be assigned to a specific early voting location. Check it carefully: it will most likely be different from your assigned poll site for Election Day.

Find your early voting or Election Day location in New York City here. Please note that early voting locations in New York City are open from 8am to 5pm on weekends and from 8am to 8pm on weekdays.

Survey location information and hours outside New York City are available here.

When should I vote?

When it suits you and your polling station is open. The New York City Board of Elections will provide a map with information about wait times at your respective early voting site.

We don’t know what makes sense for your schedule, but we do know that the Board of Elections will offer special Halloween-themed “I Voted” stickers (featuring a picture of a trick-or-treating pigeon wearing a witch hat) for those who head to the polls on Thursday, October 31. Children who accompany their parents to the polls will receive a temporary tattoo version.

Is it too late to vote by mail?

No, the deadline to request an absentee ballot online or by mail is Saturday, October 26, 2024.

Voters in New York City can request a ballot here. Out-of-town voters can request a ballot here.

Once the request is submitted, you can track the status of your ballot through the online ballot tracking system for voters in New York City and for voters throughout the rest of the state.

You can also go in person to your local Board of Elections office up until the day before the election to complete a ballot application and submit a ballot.

Do I need to add postage to mail my ballot?

No. If you vote by mail, you make your choices on both sides of the ballot. Then place the completed ballot in the security envelope. Once sealed, sign and date the envelope and place it in the return envelope which should include the address of your local Board of Elections office. No additional shipping costs are required.

All mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Tuesday, November 5th and can then be received until Tuesday, November 12th. You can also deliver your ballot in person to your local Board of Elections office or drop it off in the secure mailbox at any address. early voting site.

What should I do if I requested a vote by mail but then decide I want to vote in person?

If you requested a mail-in ballot and then choose to vote in person, you cannot vote on a voting machine due to a change in state law. You must cast a certified vote. If you did not submit your ballot by mail, your ballot will be counted. But if you have already submitted the ballot, your affidavit ballot will not count. (In other words, you can’t vote twice.)

Who should I contact to report a concern or issue on a survey site?

You can start with the election board officials at the polling place. If you have legal questions or would like to report other concerns, please contact the nonpartisan Election Protection Hotline at 1-866-OURVOTE. The hotline is staffed with legal personnel who can discuss issues in English, Spanish, Arabic and several Asian languages. There is information from Election Protection online.

Also, the state’s attorney general will operate a hotline at 866-390-2992, where voters can file complaints or request assistance. The hotline is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during early voting and from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Election Day.