This year, New Yorkers have the power to shape our communities and our future by voting in important primary elections (using Ranked Choice Voting) and the general mayoral election in November. Every vote matters—make yours count!

Here’s everything you need to know to vote confidently, protect your rights, and get involved.

📅 Key Election Dates

• Primary Election Day: June 24, 2025
• Early Voting for Primaries: June 14–22, 2025
• General Election Day (Mayoral + Other Races): November 4, 2025
• Early Voting for General Election: October 26–November 3, 2025

Voter Registration Deadlines:

• Primary: Register by May 31, 2025
• General: Register by October 11, 2025

🔗 Check your voter registration: nycvotersearch.com

🗳️ How Ranked Choice Voting Works

In the primaries, many cities in New York (including New York City) use Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) for local offices like mayor, city council, and borough president. Here's how it works:

• You can rank up to 5 candidates in order of preference.
• Pick your 1st choice, 2nd choice, 3rd choice, and so on.
• You can still vote for just one candidate if you prefer.
• If your first-choice candidate doesn’t win, your vote counts for your next choice.

Tip: Ranking more candidates will never hurt your first-choice candidate.

🔗 Learn more about Ranked Choice Voting: voting.nyc/rankedchoice

🧾 Basic Voting Rights in New York

When you show up to vote, you have important rights, including:

• You have the right to vote if you are registered and in line by the time polls close.
• You have the right to vote in your preferred language. Many locations provide interpretation services.
• You have the right to assistance if you need help reading or filling out your ballot.
• You have the right to a replacement ballot if you make a mistake.
• You have the right to vote even if your name is not in the voter book by requesting an affidavit (provisional) ballot.
• You have the right to privacy. No one can pressure you or look at your ballot.

If you are ever unsure or face barriers, you can ask a poll worker for help.

🚨 How to Report a Voting Rights Violation

If you experience or witness a voting problem—such as voter intimidation, inaccessible polling places, broken machines, or being wrongly turned away—you can report it immediately:

• NYS Board of Elections: (518) 474-6220
• NYC Board of Elections Voter Hotline: 1-866-VOTE-NYC (1-866-868-3692)
• U.S. Department of Justice (Civil Rights Division): (800) 253-3931
• Election Protection Hotline:
  📞 1-866-OUR-VOTE (1-866-687-8683) (English)
  📞 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (1-888-839-8682) (Spanish)
  📞 1-888-API-VOTE (1-888-274-8683) (Asian languages)

Tip: Write down what happened, when it happened, and where it happened. If safe, take photos or note witnesses.

🗺️ Voting In-Person or By Mail

• Early Voting: Beat the crowds! Find your early voting site here: vote.nyc
• Absentee Voting: If you cannot vote in person, you can request an absentee ballot online or through your county Board of Elections.

Request Absentee Ballot:
🔗 nyabsentee.com

🏛️ Why Local Elections Matter

Local officials, from the mayor to city council members, shape decisions about:

• Public safety and policing
• Affordable housing and tenant protections
• Public schools and education funding
• Economic opportunity and workers’ rights
• Environmental policies and clean neighborhoods

Your vote directly impacts your daily life. Local elections are often decided by a few hundred votes—your voice truly matters.

✊🏾 Stay Ready, Stay Informed

At NAACP NYS, we believe in building power through informed voting. Share this guide with your friends, family, and neighbors—and let’s make sure every community across New York is heard this year!

📩 Questions or need voter help? Contact us at [info@naacpnys.org] or reach out to your local NAACP branch.

Your voice. Your vote. Your future.

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