Request an Absentee Ballot for Election Day Nov. 3

The New York State legislature and Gov. Cuomo have made changes to facilitate absentee ballot voting in the November 3 election.

The Governor signed legislation that allows all New Yorkers to vote by absentee ballot. He also mandated, by executive order, that the state Board of Elections mail a letter to all registered voters that explains how to request an absentee ballot application and outlines the deadlines for returning the ballot.

While poll sites will remain open, an absentee ballot offers everyone the safest way to vote during the coronavirus pandemic. If you want to vote by mail, you should apply again even if you already did this for the June primary -- unless you are already on the permanent absentee voter list due to long-term disability or illness.

If you would rather not wait for the Board of Elections letter, you can proactively request your ballot online at https://www.nycabsentee.com or by printing a form from the Board of Elections website, where the deadlines are clearly outlined. You can also call 1-866-VOTE-NYC to request a form.

Applicants must select “temporary illness” as the reason for the request (temporary illness includes being unable to appear due to risk of contracting or spreading a communicable disease like COVID-19). If you are quarantining away from your home, this gives you the opportunity to provide an address where you want your ballot sent. 

Even if you request an absentee ballot, you are still eligible to vote in person -- both during Early Voting (Oct. 24-Nov. 1) or on Election Day (Nov. 3). The Board of Elections expects to be mailing out absentee ballots on a rolling basis beginning in mid-September. Please complete and return your ballot as soon as you can by mail -- or by dropping it off at your Board of Elections office or at your poll site. 

So, let’s get out the vote on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3! Apply for your ballot online or by following the Board of Elections instructions you receive by USPS mail. You can find more details about absentee voting on the Board of Elections website

If you have questions or need more information, please contact the DC 37 Political Action Dept. at 212-815-1550 or click on the links below.

VOTING BY MAIL AND GET-OUT-THE-VOTE ON NOV. 3