New York voters head to the polls for the 2026 midterm elections on Tuesday, Nov. 3, with in-person early voting scheduled across the state from Saturday, Oct. 24, through Sunday, Nov. 1.
Early Voting Schedules and County Site Rules
In-person early voting runs from Saturday, Oct. 24, through Sunday, Nov. 1, according to the New York State Board of Elections. Polling hours and exact locations vary by county. Voters outside New York City may visit any assigned early-voting center within their home county. Voters living inside New York City must cast their ballots at a specifically assigned early-voting site.
All New York polling places operate from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 3. Unofficial results begin arriving after polls close, though highly competitive contests require additional time to tabulate.
Voter Registration Deadlines and Eligibility Criteria
The voter registration deadline for the 2026 general election falls on Saturday, Oct. 24. Applications submitted online, through the mail, or in person must reach the appropriate board of elections by that date. Residents can register via the New York State Board of Elections, local county boards, a Department of Motor Vehicles office, or another participating state agency.
To qualify as a voter in New York, an individual must hold United States citizenship, be at least 18 years old, and have lived in New York and the county, city or village where the person plans to vote for at least 30 days before the election, although 16- and 17-year-olds may preregister. Incarcerated individuals serving a felony conviction cannot vote, but people released from prison, including those on parole, probation, or supervised release, may register to vote.
Absentee Ballots and Important Deadlines
Voters needing absentee or early mail ballots must submit their applications by mail or through the online portal by Saturday, Oct. 24. The final day to apply in person at a county board of elections is Monday, Nov. 2. Completed mail ballots require a postmark dated no later than Tuesday, Nov. 3, or must be delivered in person to a county board of elections or polling site by the close of polls that evening. County boards must receive all validly postmarked mail ballots by Tuesday, Nov. 10.
Midterm Polling and Congressional Control Outlook
Democrats maintain an advantage in national generic congressional ballot polling as the midterms approach. RealClearPolling averages covering Sept. 24 through Oct. 13 show Democrats leading Republicans 50% to 42%, marking an 8-point margin. Election forecasts lean toward Democrats in the battle for House control, while Senate projections remain divided across 35 contested seats, which include 33 regularly scheduled Class II races alongside special elections in Florida and Ohio.
In statewide races, a Emerson College Polling/PIX11 News survey of 900 likely New York voters conducted from Oct. 3 to Oct. 5 places Kathy Hochul ahead of Bruce Blakeman 52% to 40%, with 8% of voters remaining undecided.
Frequently Asked Questions About Voting in New York
How can voters check their assigned early-voting location?
Voters can verify their designated early-voting sites and review schedule hours by checking the New York State Board of Elections.
What phone number provides voter registration forms by mail?
Residents can request a physical voter registration form by calling 1-800-367-8683 or by utilizing the state’s official Voter Registration Form Request service. Completed documents require a physical signature and date before reaching the county board by Oct. 24.
When must ballots arrive to be counted?
County boards of elections must receive mail ballots postmarked by Tuesday, Nov. 3, no later than Tuesday, Nov. 10. Voters can review specific ballot application and return requirements through the New York State Board of Elections.
Keep reading