Tuesday, November 2nd is fast approaching. New Yorkers have more voting options than ever and we’ve put together a simple guide to ensure you are ready to cast your ballot this fall!

**We will update this page through the election. Latest elections update 10/6/2021.

Take a minute and think about your voting plan. Do you know how you’re going to vote- absentee, early or on Election Day? Not sure what the difference is or what’s right for you? Don’t worry, we have everything you need to make your decision:

Vote absentee

Absentee voting in New York is a two-step process: 

  • STEP 1: Apply for an absentee ballot by Mon. 10/18 
    • Use the reason “Temporary Illness”, which is extended to all New Yorkers because of the coronavirus pandemic. 
    • Ballot requests should be received by your county Board of Elections by Tues. 10/18. You can request an absentee ballot from your county Board of Elections by mail, online portal, email or fax: 
  • STEP 2: Vote by Tues. 11/2
    • Once requested, your absentee ballot will be mailed to you before the election.
    • You must complete your absentee ballot and either:
      • Mail it back (postmarked by Tues. 11/2);
      • Drop it off at an early voting poll site between Sat. 10/23 and Sun. 10/31;
      • Drop it off at an election day poll site on Tues. 11/2;
      • Drop it off at your local Board of Elections on or before election day.

Vote early

Vote on election day

Five statewide ballot proposals will appear on the November ballot, so don’t forget to flip your ballot and vote on:

Proposal 1 improves New York’s redistricting process by

  • Requiring that district maps account for all residents regardless of citizenship status;
  • Ending prison-based gerrymandering;
  • Reducing party influence on mapmaking;
  • Fixing the redistricting timeline for 2022 and beyond;
  • Freezing the number of State Senators to 63.

Proposal 2 adds a right to clean water, clean air, and a healthful environment to the New York Constitution’s Bill of Rights.

Proposal 3 eliminates the voter registration cutoff before an election currently in the state constitution, giving New York voters more time to register to vote.

Proposal 4 makes absentee voting more accessible to New Yorkers by ensuring all voters can request an absentee ballot without having to give a reason.

Proposal 5 increases the New York City Civil Court’s jurisdiction over lawsuits involving claims from $25,000 to $50,000.

Proposals 1, 3, and 4 are common sense changes that Common Cause NY has long supported and therefore we support a Yes Vote on all three.
Common Cause NY is not taking a position on Proposition 2 and 5.