Attorney General James Issues Guidance for Voters Ahead of November General Election
New York Attorney General Letitia James
New York Attorney General Letitia James has issued guidance reminding New Yorkers of their voting rights and key election information ahead of the start of early voting in the November 2024 general election. With early voting beginning statewide on Saturday, October 26th, Attorney General James highlighted critical deadlines, outlined voters’ rights in the polling place, and provided tips to New Yorkers to protect against AI-generated election misinformation. Attorney General James also sent a letter to local Boards of Election (BOEs) and law enforcement agencies reminding them of their responsibility to prevent voter intimidation and safeguard voters’ rights.
The Office of the Attorney General (OAG)’s Election Protection Hotline will be available to troubleshoot and resolve a range of issues encountered by voters from Saturday, October 26 through Wednesday, November 6. New Yorkers can contact the Election Protection Hotline by either calling (866) 390-2992 or submitting a complaint online.
“Every New Yorker should be able to vote easily and without fear,” said Attorney General James. “As we approach the November 2024 election, my office is ensuring that every voice is heard, and the integrity of the electoral process is upheld. Any behavior that gets in the way of a fair and safe election should be reported to my office immediately.”
Key Dates and Deadlines
The last day to register to vote is Saturday, October 26.
In-person early voting begins on Saturday, October 26.
New York City (NYC) voters will be assigned an early voting location by the NYC Board of Elections (NYCBOE). This may be different than your Election Day poll site. NYC voters can find their early voting and Election Day poll sites on the NYCBOE website.
Voters outside of NYC may vote at any early voting location in their county. Find poll sites in your county on your local board of elections’ website or the NYSBOE’s Poll Site Search.
Anyone can vote by mail using an early mail ballot, no excuse needed.
The last day to request a mail-in ballot online or by mail is Saturday, October 26.
The last day to request a mail-in ballot in person at your local BOE is Monday, November 4.
Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Tuesday, November 5 and received by the BOE by Tuesday, November 12. · Election Day is Tuesday, November 5.
On Election Day, polls will be open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Know Your Rights
Every New York voter has the right to vote freely and without fear of intimidation, coercion, or threats to their safety.
It is illegal to electioneer or campaign inside or within 100 feet of a polling place.
If your name does not appear on the list of voters at your voting site, but you believe you are at the right location and table and are eligible to vote, you have the right to request, fill out, and submit an affidavit ballot.
An affidavit ballot is a provisional ballot that is not immediately scanned and counted on Election Day; it is set aside until election officials can verify your voter eligibility. Once confirmed, it is counted and tallied with the vote totals.
If you are in line to vote at the time the polls close, you still have the right to vote. Stay in line.
New York polls close at 9:00 PM on Election Day. Early voting poll site hours vary, so check the hours listed by your local board of elections.
All voters are entitled to privacy in the voting booth, and it is illegal for any other individual to invade your privacy while voting.
No one should request to see your ballot, and it is illegal to show your completed ballot to anyone else – including by posting it on social media.
If you are incarcerated on misdemeanor charges, in jail awaiting trial, or on parole or probation, you are eligible to vote. If you were convicted of a felony and have served your full sentence, you are eligible to vote but must reregister.