To be eligible to vote, you must be:

• A US citizen
• 18 years old by the date of the general, primary or other election in which you want to vote
  • you may pre-register at 16 or 17 but cannot vote until you are 18
• A resident of your present address for at least 30 days before the election
• Not in prison for a felony conviction 
• Not claiming the right to vote elsewhere
• Not adjudged mentally incompetent by a court

Incarcerated Voters & Returning Citizens: 

In New York, you only lose your right to vote if you are currently incarcerated for a felony conviction. If you lost your voting rights because of a conviction, you could register to vote immediately after release. Your voting rights are not restricted by pretrial detention, misdemeanors, probation, or parole. 

Voters without traditional residence: 

In New York, it is not mandatory for citizens to possess a "permanent home" for voter registration. A citizen can provide an alternative description of their residence, even if they are experiencing homelessness, as long as it enables the authorities to identify and assign a voting precinct to them. This precinct assignment ensures that the voter receives the appropriate ballot. The mailing address on their registration form can be a PO box, local shelter, advocacy organization, outreach center, or the home of someone who will accept mail for them.