Here’s What to Know About Voting in the 2024 Election

Election Day is on November 5, and if you haven’t heard, it’s kind of a big deal this year.  No matter who you’re voting for, it’s important to make a plan and be prepared ahead of time. Between vote-by-mail, early voting and Election Day, you’ve got lots of options for participating in our most essential democratic process. Here are the key things to know:

Register to vote or check your registration

The last day to register to vote is October 26; any applications by mail have to be received by that day. You can even complete your voter registration online.

Even if you’re sure that you’re registered to vote, double-check in advance of election day anyway to make sure you’re in the database. Your polling place is the hottest club in town, and no one wants to get denied at the door.

How to vote by mail

If you like voting but don’t like leaving your apartment, voting by mail is for you. All New Yorkers are now allowed to vote by mail. Request a ballot here. You have to postmark the envelope by November 5.

Early voting

Early voting begins October 26 and runs through November 3 — that includes Halloween, so you could technically trick-or-treat your way to the polls. 

Find the full dates and times here, and check your polling place here. 

What to know about the ballot (beyond the Big Thing)

Yes, there’s a presidential election this year. But there are also very important local elections on the ballot, as well as some ballot measures you should know about. 

The exact ballot will vary by election district but include several House congressional seats, the Senate, and other state and local races. Find personalized ballot information here.

Once you’ve cast your vote for your preferred elected officials, be sure to turn your ballot over to weigh in on a number of ballot measures. Proposition One, known as the New York Equal Rights Amendment, aims at expanding protections from discrimination, as well as protecting the right to an abortion. Others seek to amend the city charter in ways that could shift power around at City Hall. Another asks if the Department of Sanitation should have more power to clean up junk under highways and medians. Read more about the ballot measures here.

Will there be another cool subway-themed “I voted” sticker like this one?  

You’ll never know unless you vote.

photo: iStock