We hope students will use their time as college students to explore ways in which they can be civically engaged in the world around them and advocate for things that are important to them. We've created this guide to help you learn how you can register to vote in New York State and how you can make your voice heard on Election Day.
Quick Links: Frequently Asked Questions | How to Register to Vote | Cast Your Vote | Forms | Absentee Ballots
Millennials and Gen Z will be the largest share of eligible voters in 2020, but because of their lower voting rates, they have not been the largest share of the electorate in previous elections. In other words, your voice and your vote can affect change. Local, state, and national elected officials make decisions that impact your daily life, like student debt, funding for higher education, transportation, and healthcare.
To register to vote in New York State, you must:
be a United States citizen;
be 18 years old by December 31 of the year in which you complete the voter registration form (note: you must be 18 years old by the date of the general, primary or other election in which you want to vote);
resident of the state and county, city or village for at least 30 days before the election;
not be in prison or on parole for a felony conviction (unless parolee pardoned or restored rights of citizenship);
not be adjudged mentally incompetent by a court;
not claim the right to vote elsewhere.
You can register in-person at your county board of elections or at any New York State Agency-Based voter registration center. Use this guide for step-by-step assistance in filling out your voter registration form.
Complete an accessible version of the New York State Voter Registration Form on-line by, typing the necessary information, selecting the appropriate boxes, and then printing and mailing a completed form to your county board of elections. Use this guide for step-by-step assistance in filling out your voter registration form.
You can use the DMV Electronic Voter Registration Application to register to vote or to update the information you have on file with the New York State Board of Elections. Completed applications are forwarded to the appropriate County or City Board of Elections for approval and processing. Use this guide for step-by-step assistance in filling out your voter registration form.
To register you will need:
A current New York State DMV issued driver license, permit or Non-Driver ID
the ZIP Code currently on record with the DMV
the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number (SSN)
Video: How to Use the New York State DMV Online System to Register to Vote
