Press Release

In New York State, the deadline to register in order to vote in the Nov. 8, 2016 elections is Friday, Oct. 14. It is also the deadline to register in a political party or change your party registration if you want to the vote in the 2017 NYC primary elections.

You can mail in your voter registration form (it must be postmarked by 10/14/16).

You can also register online through the DMV (you must have a NYS driver’s license).

If you aren’t sure about your registration status, check here.

However, the Oct. 14 voter registration deadline is extended for newly-naturalized citizens who take their citizenship oath on or after Oct. 15. This group of new citizens can register in person at their local Board of elections on or before Saturday, Oct. 29. See New York State Board of Elections website.

New York State Election Law, section 5-210(4), provides:

Any qualified person who has been honorably discharged from the military after the twenty-fifth day before a general election or who has become a naturalized citizen after the twenty-fifth day before a general election may personally register at the board of elections in the county of his or her residence and vote in the general election held at least ten days after such registration.

For New York City residents, we recommend that you bring a copy of your naturalization certificate and proof of your current address to the New York City Board of Elections, which has offices in all five boroughs and will be open regular business hours on weekdays and Saturday, Oct. 29. Check the NYCBOE website for the latest updates in hours of operation or call 212.487.5400.

UPDATE: The NYC Board of Elections has set up local sites in the five boroughs that will be open on Saturday, Oct. 15 from 1 PM to 9 PM for in-person voter registration.

For more information, contact:
Jenny Choi, Program Associate
212.966.5932 x251
jchoi@aaldef.org