ITHACA, N.Y. — Here’s your friendly reminder to register to vote if you haven’t already.
The deadline to register to vote in the November general election is Friday, Oct. 12. If you haven’t registered yet, here’s what you need to know.
1 — First, to register to vote you must be a U.S. citizen, 18 years old, not be in prison or on parole for a felony conviction and not claim the right to vote elsewhere.
2 —Are you already registered? If you’re not sure you can find out here. This search is also helpful to find your polling place, make sure your address is up to date and see your voter district information.
3 — If you are not registered, you can register online, via mail, in person or absentee ballot.
To register online, visit the Department of Motor Vehicles page. You’ll need your New York State driver’s license, permit or ID card, as well as your zip code and social security number.
Want to register in person? You can print a voter registration form, fill it out, sign it and date and bring it to the Tompkins County Board of Elections at 128 E. Buffalo St., Ithaca. You can also just pick up a form at the Board of Elections.
Can you mail your voter registration? Yes, but applications must be postmarked no later than Oct. 12 and received by the Tompkins County Board of Elections no later than Oct. 17. The voter registration forms (linked above) must be completely filled out and mailed to the Tompkins County Board of Elections at 128 E. Buffalo St., Ithaca.
Do you need an absentee ballot? If you will not be in the county during the election or have a medical reason you can’t make it to the ballot, you have to postmark an absentee ballot application before Oct. 30. Here are the details, including a form.
4 — When and where can you vote? The general election is Nov. 6. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. Not sure where you vote? Click here.
For more information about voting and to see sample ballots ahead of the election, visit the Tompkins County Board of Elections page. They can also be reached at 607-274-5522.