Voter Registration Information

VOTING IS YOUR RIGHT, and no one can stand in your way when you want to exercise that right. It's a fairly simple process to get registered and vote - but there are a few things to know.

General Info

The National Association of Secretaries of State offers an easy-to-understand guide for new and registered voters. All the paperwork you could ever need is there, along with links to register, change parties, change addresses, or just voter rolls to see if you're there.

New York

New York has a closed primary system. What does that mean?  A closed primary system means that only registered party members may vote in a party's primary. If you would like to vote in the Democratic primary, you must be registered as a Democrat. If you would like to vote in the Republican primary, you must be registered as a Republican. The same is true for any other party's primary held in New York. 

Not sure if you're registered? 

Check your registration status on the New York State DMV website. Check that you're registered in a party if you want to vote in their primary, and that your registration status is listed as active. If you're not active in a party, update your registration.

How do you register?

Register online at the New York State DMV website if you have a New York State driver's license or non-driver state ID. Download printable registration forms to mail in your registration.

You're not committed for life; you can always change your party again after the primary if you choose to.

Find more information on the Tompkins County Board of Elections website. 

Won't be near your polling place to vote?

You'll need your FULL dorm address (this is your local address if you live on campus) to request an absentee ballot. This can be found in myTC3 by visiting myINFO/My Profile/Addresses.

Who gets your vote?

Nationally, Isidewith is a great place to get an idea of which party or parties you align with, and which candidates share similar beliefs and convictions to you.

For New York-specific races, NY State of Politics gives a rundown of what candidates say about particular issues and also what proposals are up for vote.

The New York State Board of Elections also includes helpful information about registering, polling places, and more.