Know your right to vote

As summer draws to a close, you can expect to see a lot more about this year’s midterms; who is running, what their positions are, and details about Election Day itself. Especially given the current political climate surrounding voting rights, we want to use this new wave leading up to the midterms as a reminder of New York’s voting bill of rights.  

As a registered voter, you have the right to:

Vote

The right to vote includes voting for candidates and questions on the ballot and having sufficient time to vote.

 Have your votes count

Vote on a voting system that is in working condition and that will allow votes to be accurately cast.

Secrecy in voting

Secrecy in voting will be preserved for all elections.

Freedom in voting

Cast your vote, free from coercion or intimidation by elections officers or any other person.

Permanent Registration

Once registered to vote, you continue to remain qualified to vote from an address within your county or city.

Accessible Elections

Non-discriminatory equal access to the election system for all voters, including the elderly, disabled, alternative language minorities, military and overseas citizens, as required by Federal and State laws.  

Assistance in voting

You may request assistance to vote because of blindness, disability, or inability to read or write.

Instruction in voting

You can view a sample ballot in this polling place prior to voting, and before entering or approaching a privacy booth, scanner or ballot marking device, you may request help in how to mark and/or cast your ballot. 

In addition, if you have an I/DD, only a court order can remove a right to vote over being judged “mentally incompetent”. Nobody else has the capability to take away your right to vote over an I/DD.

Affidavit voting

Whenever your name does not appear in the poll ledger or the voter registration or enrollment list, or you do not provide identification when required, you will be offered an affidavit ballot.

Tips for self-advocacy

Even with these protections, however, a person with an I/DD might still run into trouble when trying to vote or register. If that happens, it’s important to recognize the key parts to self-advocacy. 

Know what you want

Have a clear understanding of what you are hoping to accomplish.

Do your homework

Read up on the materials of the election toolkit and know your rights as a New York State voter, both for accessible polling places and for accessible materials.

Communicate Clearly

Use “I” statements when talking or writing, like “I need…” or “I want…” Be very specific and direct.

Write everything down

Record requests for accommodations in writing, and record details of any incidents that develop for future reference. Find a safe place to keep all records.  

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your circle of support can help provide advice and reinforcement, but they might not know you need help unless you ask.  

Most importantly, believe in yourself! Trust that you can do what needs to be done, because you can! 

Upcoming Deadlines

October 24th

Early voting begins; deadline for BOE to receive applications for voter registration and early/absentee voting

November 1st

Early voting ends

November 2nd

Last day to apply in-person for general election ballot

November 3rd

General election; last day to postmark to postmark or deliver ballot to Board of Elections

November 10th

Mail-in ballots must be received by county Board of Elections by this date