It's Election Day! Here's What To Know As Voters Head to the Polls

NEW YORK, NY (06/25/2024) (readMedia)-- Today is Election Day in New York State! Depending on where they are registered, New Yorkers will have the opportunity to vote for candidates for Congress, New York State Senate and the New York State Assembly, Judges and local party offices. New York State's primaries are closed, meaning that only individuals registered with a political party can vote in that party's primary election. Find your poll site In NYC or Outside of NYC here.

"Thanks in part to another successful early voting period, voters can be confident that our elections are safe, secure and transparent. We have trained, nonpartisan election personnel available at select poll sites to assist voters with any issues, or they can call the free hotline at 1-866-OURVOTE with any questions," said Susan Lerner, Executive Director of Common Cause New York. "We encourage New Yorkers to remain patient as election officials count every eligible vote. Now it's time to get out, vote and make your voice heard!"

Throughout Election Day, Common Cause/NY will have nonpartisan Election Protection monitors stationed at poll sites across the state. Our monitors are trained volunteers who can answer any questions that voters have and will be there to observe for any potential issues voters encounter. Volunteers in NYC will be stationed at poll sites throughout The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens. Outside of NYC, monitors will be in place across Erie, Orange, Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester Counties.

Before heading to the polls, Common Cause/NY encourages all voters to familiarize themselves with their rights, and to report any misconduct to 886-OUR-VOTE, a national election protection hotline. Here's what to know:

• Trusted election officials are counting and verifying every ballot to ensure that every vote is counted. Our election system is safe and secure and follows the law.
• Do not leave your poll site without casting your ballot, whether that means placing it into a scanner or voting by affidavit ballot (also known as a provisional ballot)!
• When in doubt, call 1-866-OURVOTE: a free hotline of legal personnel can talk you through it. Spanish, Arabic and Asian languages support are also available via the Election Protection website.
• You have the right to vote free of harassment. No matter who asks, you never need to show an ID in order to vote if you've voted in New York before. If someone asks for your ID, no matter who it is, simply let them know that you are not required to show ID in New York, except in limited circumstances for first time voters.
• Due to a change in election law, New Yorkers can no longer cast a ballot on a voting machine if they have been sent an absentee or vote by mail ballot and then decide to vote in-person. Voters will be directed to vote via affidavit ballot instead.
• Voters can expect to know the final results in the next few weeks:
  • Election night results will include all ballots cast on Election Day and during early voting, as well as valid absentee and vote by mail ballots that have been received throughout early voting.
  • However, election night results are not complete. The deadline for receipt of absentee and vote by mail ballots postmarked no later than June 25 is Tuesday, July 2. These ballots will continue to be counted as they are received.