New Yorkers need to register by Oct. 14 to vote in presidential election

Posted 15 September 2016 at 3:12 pm

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo reminded New Yorkers that they must register to vote by October 14 in order to cast ballots in the upcoming presidential election on Nov. 8.

New Yorkers looking to register to vote, or to change their enrollment information, can do so easily by using the state’s online voter registration service (click here).

“New York’s online voter portal has helped break down barriers to democracy, making it easier than ever to register and ensure you can exercise your right to vote on Election Day,” said Governor Cuomo. “I encourage eligible voters who need to register, or update their information to visit this new, improved and even more convenient Web site and make sure your voice is heard.”

Previously, New Yorkers needed to sign up for a MyDMV account to register to vote online. Thanks to a new feature on the website, applicants can simply visit the voter registration page on the DMV website (click here).

The application takes only a few minutes to complete and no longer requires that a MyDMV account be created to participate. Customers must enter information from their New York State driver license, permit, or non-driver ID, their date of birth, current zip code, last four digits of their Social Security Number, and their email address. The information provided is validated to ensure accuracy and security.

Since Governor Cuomo launched the MyDMV automated online system in 2012, DMV has processed more than 467,000 online voter registration applications, including more than 182,500 from first-time voters. DMV does not approve or deny voter registration applications.

Upon completion, DMV sends the voter registration applications to the County Board of Elections for review and action. Once processed, the county will notify the applicants either that they are registered to vote or that additional information is needed to complete the application.

Additionally, New Yorkers can use the New York State Board of Elections’ website to check their voter registration status (click here).

To register to vote, a New Yorker must:

• Be a United States citizen.

• Be 18 years old by December 31 of the year in which you submit the form (note: you must be 18 years old by the date of the general, primary or other election in which you want to vote).

• Live at their present address at least 30 days before an election.

• Not be in prison or on parole for a felony conviction.

• Not be adjudged mentally incompetent by a court.

• Not claim the right to vote elsewhere.

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