The term early voting NYC officially kicks in as residents prepare for the 2025 general election. Starting Saturday, October 25, voters in New York City can cast their ballots ahead of the November 4 election. The following guide offers a clear, up-to-date view of dates, hours, eligibility, and tips so you’re ready to make your voice heard.
Table of Contents
Key Dates & Hours
- The early voting window runs from October 25 through November 2.
- Typical hours (various days):
- Saturday, October 25 & Sunday, October 26: 9 am–5 pm
- Monday, October 27: 9 am–5 pm
- Tuesday, October 28 & Wednesday, October 29: 10 am–8 pm
- Thursday, October 30: 9 am–5 pm
- Friday, October 31: 8 am–4 pm
- Saturday, November 1: 9 am–5 pm
- Sunday, November 2: (typically 9 am–5 pm)
- Election Day is Tuesday, November 4. Polls open 6 am to 9 pm.
Who Can Participate / Registration Deadlines
- To vote early, you must be registered to vote, and your registration must be valid for this election.
- If you are not yet registered, make sure you meet the state deadlines (which are found via the New York State Board of Elections).
- Note: When voting early in NYC, you’ll vote at your assigned early-voting site. That may differ from your Election Day polling place.
Why Early Voting in NYC Matters
- Early voting offers flexibility—avoid potential Election Day rushes, find a convenient day and time.
- According to recent data, in earlier NYC elections the early period drew significantly more participation: within the first three days of early voting for the June primary, over 94,000 New Yorkers cast ballots—more than double the comparable 2021 figure.
- Since your early vote is counted in the same way as your Election Day vote, it truly counts.
How to Find Your Early Voting Site & What to Bring
- Use the official “Find My Poll Site” tool on the NYC Votes or Board of Elections websites to locate your site.
- Checklist of things to bring or check:
- A valid ID if you haven’t already provided one with registration (most registered voters won’t need one).
- Know that your early voting site might differ from your Election Day site—double check.
- Plan your time: look up the opening hours for the site you plan to visit.
What’s on the Ballot This Year
While the focus here is on early voting NYC, it’s helpful to know what you may be voting on:
- The general election on November 4 will include the race for Mayor of New York City, plus other citywide offices such as public advocate, comptroller, borough presidents, district attorneys, city council members, and judges.
- Early voting gives you a chance to cast your ballot ahead of the big day, which can ease congestion and help ensure your vote is counted.
Rules Specific to NYC Early Voting
- Early voting is in-person for this election (mail-in and absentee have separate rules).
- You must vote at your specific assigned early-voting center in New York City. You cannot go to just any center.
- Language assistance is available at select polling sites—NYC supports languages such as Arabic, Bengali, Chinese (Cantonese/Mandarin), French, Haitian Creole, Italian, Korean, Polish, Russian, Urdu, Yiddish.
Early Voting NYC Timeline At a Glance
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 25 (Sat) | First day of early voting (9 am–5 pm) |
| October 26 (Sun) | Early voting continues (9 am–5 pm) |
| October 27 (Mon) | Early voting continues (9 am–5 pm) |
| October 28–29 | Early voting (10 am–8 pm) |
| October 30–31 | Early voting continues (9 am–5 pm on Thu; Fri has earlier hours) |
| November 1–2 | Final weekend days of early voting |
| November 4 (Tue) | Election Day — polls 6 am–9 pm |
This schedule covers early voting hours in NYC for the general election.
Tips for First-Time Early Voters
- Arrive early if possible: even though early voting eases pressure, peak hours can still have lines.
- Double-check your site address ahead of time—don’t assume it’s the same as past elections.
- Bring proof of registration or ID if required (though most registered voters in NYC won’t need ID).
- If you vote early, you’re done—no need to return on Election Day unless you want to.
- Spread the word: encourage friends, family or neighbors who may not know about early voting to check their status.
As you prepare for early voting NYC, remember this is an opportunity to participate on your schedule rather than on just one election day. With verified dates, hours, and rules laid out, you’re equipped to cast your ballot with confidence.
Let us know below: Will you vote early this year in New York City? Drop a comment and stay engaged!