First-Time Voters in NYC
Voting for the first time? Whether you're registering for your first election or voting for the first time in New York City, this page walks you through everything you need to get started. Learn who can register, how to register, important deadlines, and what to expect before you cast your ballot.
Who Can Register to Vote?
Before you register, make sure you meet New York's voter eligibility requirements.
To register to vote in NYC, you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be a resident of New York City for at least 30 days before the election
- Be 18 years old by the date of the primary, special, or general election (but you can preregister at 16 or 17)
- Not be currently incarcerated for a felony conviction
- Not claim the right to vote elsewhere
How to Register
Once you confirm you meet the criteria above, you can register to vote using one of the following methods.
To register to vote for the first time, you can:
Voter registration deadlines for NYC:
- Primary election: Register 10 days before the election
- General election: Register 25 days before the election
- For the November 3, 2026 General Election:
Last day to register to vote in person is October 24, 2026 Applications to register by mail must be received by October 24, 2026
- For the November 3, 2026 General Election:
First-Time Voter FAQs
How can I check my voter registration status after I submit it?
You can easily verify if your registration was processed and check your current status using the New York State Board of Elections website. Your status will be updated once our application has been reviewed and accepted. Check your voter registration at: https://amiregistered.vote.nyc/.
Do I have to vote in NYC for every office on the ballot?
No, you don't have to vote for every office or candidate listed on the ballot. You can choose to vote only for the races you want, and your ballot will still be counted for those selections.
What if I go to vote at the polls for the first time and they don't have my name?
If your name isn’t in the poll book, you should ask for an affidavit ballot. This is a paper ballot that allows you to vote provisionally. A Board of Elections official will review it after Election Day to determine if you were eligible to vote.
Related Resources
- Early voting: Get information about voting early in person or by mail.
- Voting by mail: See how to request a mail ballot and vote by mail in NYC.
- Ranked choice voting: Understand what ranked choice voting is and when it's used in NYC elections.
- Voting rights: Find out your rights as a voter, including rights for those with a criminal or felony conviction.
