Should I register to vote in New York or in my home state?
I'm a student, and my address in Ithaca is only temporary. Do I vote here, or at my permanent address?
This is a personal choice. You might choose based on which electoral contests are most important to you, where you think your vote will have the most impact, the place you most strongly identify with, or other factors. However, you may only vote in ONE place.
Voting Checklists
Print out your checklist!
Remember: You can only vote in one place.
Voting in your home state by absentee ballot
- Register to vote, if you haven't already! See: vote.gov, Voting as a College Student
- Next, request an absentee ballot. See: National Association of Secretaries of State, Absentee & Early Voting
- Mail your absentee ballot on time!
- Important! Make sure you follow your state’s deadlines for requesting and returning your absentee ballot. See your state’s absentee voting deadlines -- -- and note the dates for when your ballot must be postmarked or received. It’s an important distinction.
Voting in New York
- Fill in the online registration form: Register to vote in New York.
- Once you are registered, you will receive a postcard with your polling place.
- You can also check Vote411.org to verify your polling place. Simply type in your address and you will see your Congressional district, your NY State Assembly and Senate districts, and your polling place.
More Resources for Voting in New York
- New York Voter Registration SearchVerifies your registration, along with polling location and legislative districts.
- New York -- Campus Vote ProjectFocusing on the college campus population, but useful for everyone.
- New York State Voter toolOnce you are registered, use this easy tool to see your Congressional District, NYS Assembly and NYS Senate districts, polling place, and ward (Ithaca).