FAQs about Voter Registration & Voting Process
Who is eligible to vote? Who can register to vote?
The qualifications for voting in New York State are as follows:
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Be a U. S. citizen
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Be 18 years old (you may preregister at 16 or 17 but cannot vote until 18)
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Not be in prison for a felony conviction
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Not claim the right to vote elsewhere
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Not found to be incompetent by a court
How can I tell if I am already registered to vote?
The New York State Board of Elections provides a database to search to see if you are registered to vote.
How can I register to vote?
As a New York State citizen, there are several ways that you can register. You can register:
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At School. During Voter Registration week, students will be able to complete voter registration forms available in the library that will be submitted for you to the Onondaga County Board of Elections.
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Online: Register online using the link above or the MYDMV website,
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In-person: Register in person at the Onondaga County Board of Elections, the DMV, or another Agency Based voter registration center, or
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By Mail: Use the link above to download the form and print it on your own, or request a form here or by calling 1-800-FOR-VOTE; then mail the completed form to the Onondaga Country Board of Elections.
Use the link below to find out more.
How can I find out where I can vote? Can I vote early?
Check out the links below for more information on your polling place and early voting information!
How does selecting a political party affiliation impact my ability to vote in all elections?
Primary elections let voters decide which candidates will run in the general election. In partisan primaries, voters select their preferred candidates for a political party to nominate for the general election. You cannot vote in a partisan primary election unless you are part of that political party.
What should I bring with me when I vote?
If you've never voted before, be sure to bring a copy of your photo ID, or a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or government document that shows your name and address.
Picking Candidates
Voting for a candidate, whether at the local, state, or national level, is a personal decision. It is always a good idea to consider your stance on issues and learn about the candidates to see how they align with your personal beliefs and values.
Exploring Issues
Being an informed citizen is an important part of the voting process. Use the links below to explore some of the most important issues of today and think about how they align with your beliefs and values.
Gale in Context Opposing Viewpoints
Gale in Context: Opposing Viewpoints provides a wealth of informational and opinion articles about hundreds of issues impacting our country. Click the lightbulb icon on the right to see a listing of all the issues or just search. The password for viewing offsite is: empirelink