Photo: Nitin Mukul

It’s almost time to go to the polls. Have questions? We’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide to voting in New York City for the 2022 midterm elections:

Key dates

Early Voting: Oct. 29, 2022 – Nov. 6, 2022

General Election Day: Nov. 8, 2022

Where to Vote

Your early voting polling site and general election polling site locations are different. Make sure you show up at the right place when you go to vote. Find your polling location by entering your address here.

Polling place hours

Polling places will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

What to bring

You don’t need to provide an ID to vote if you are registered to vote. Check if you are registered here.  

First-time voters may need to bring a valid ID to vote. If you registered by mail and did not provide a copy of your ID with your registration, you will need to bring one to the polls. Acceptable forms of ID are: 

  • A current and valid photo ID
  • A copy of a recent utility bill
  • A bank statement
  • A government check
  • A paycheck
  • Or other government documents that show your name and address

At the polls:

When you arrive, make your way to the check-in table. If you are unsure where to check in, just ask a poll worker. There are many people there to help! You will likely be directed to a table with your corresponding election/assembly district. You can find that information where you find your poll site

After you check in, you will receive your ballot. Head over to one of the voting booths and lay your ballot down. Most ballots have instructions in English, Spanish and other languages. If you need an interpreter, ask a poll worker. 

Photo: Glen Carrie

On the ballot:

Now it’s time to vote. Make sure you are familiar with the candidates and initiatives for which you’ll be voting. Check out a sample ballot here if you want to be ahead of the game. 

Who’s running?
 

Federal races:U.S. Senator

U.S. Senators are responsible for drafting, debating and voting on legislation. They also confirm Presidential appointments such as Supreme court justices. These are the candidates you will see on the ballot:

Congressional District

  • Members of the House of Representatives are also responsible for drafting, debating and voting on legislation. Your elected congressperson will depend on the district in which you live. Find your district here and your candidates here

NY State races: Governor

The Governor signs and vetoes legislation, sets New York State’s yearly budget and appoints leaders of state. The candidates running are:

Attorney General

The attorney general is responsible for protecting the rights of New Yorkers and providing legal counsel to the Executive Branch of State government. The candidates running are:

State Comptroller

The state comptroller is in charge of managing finances in New York. They make sure state and local governments spend tax dollars wisely and effectively. The candidates running are:

State Senate District

State senators are responsible for developing and voting on legislation and approving state expenditure caps. State senators also confirm Governor-appointed state officials such as court judges. Your elected state senator depends on which district you live in. Find your district here and your candidates on the sample ballot here
 State Assembly District

State assembly members also develop and vote on legislation and approve state expenditure caps. They are also responsible for upholding or overturning the Governor’s vetos. Your elected state assembly member also depends on which district you live in. Find your district here, and your candidates on the sample ballot here.

In addition to these races, some New Yorkers will have to vote for other candidates. You can find if there are additional races by looking at your sample ballot

Ballot proposals

Apart from candidates, you will also be voting for four proposals that will impact the city and state. This is your chance to have a voice in New York City and State legislation. The majority of voters will have to vote on the ballot proposals for them to be approved. Once approved, they will be enacted right away. They include:

  • Environmental Bond Act of 2022
  • Statement of Values for City Government
  • Racial Equity Plans and Office
  • True Cost of Living

Find out everything you need to know about these ballot proposals here

What happens if you make a mistake?

Mistakes happen, if you accidentally fill in the wrong bubble, do not worry. Contact a poll worker who will discard your ballot and give you a new one. Refrain from crossing out anything or filling in more than one bubble per candidate or initiative. If you vote for more than one candidate for the same position, your ballot will not be accepted. 

Checking the status of your ballot:

You can check the status of your ballot on the New York board of elections website.

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