UVOTE | Union Voter Outreach + Education

If you have registered to vote already, you can confirm your status easily through one of the links below

• Registered in New York State
• Registered in a different state

If these sites indicate you are not registered to vote, don't panic. A few steps you can take to correct this:

• Review the accuracy of information you have entered. If your name has various spellings, try an alternate version (with or without middle initial; remove hyphens, apostrophes, etc.)
• Contact your state directly. If you registered recently, it can take a while to get this information updated in state systems.

If you are not registered, visit UVOTE's Voter Registration Page to sign up today. Please keep in mind Voter Registration deadlines are strict and vary by state.

As a college student living in New York State you have two options:

• Register to vote with your Union College address
  • This must be done on paper - visit a UVOTE event or print out a form and mail it back tot he Schenectady Board of Elections
• Register to vote with your permanent address
  • New York permanent residents find your portal here
  • Residents of other states find your info here

The decision you make will impact how you are able to cast your vote in the election, as well as which races will appear on your ballot.

Presented by the New York Public Interest Research Group

Q. If I register, am I registered forever?
A. The details are a bit confusing. No matter where you live you should re-register if you move, change your name or change political parties. If you’re not sure you’re still registered, play it safe – fill out a new form. You shouldn’t be removed from the rolls for simply choosing not to vote for a few years. However, if you haven’t voted in a long time or if you haven’t received any recent mail from the Board of Elections you should probably fill out a new form.

Q. Should I enroll in a political party?
A. It’s up to you. Most people register with a political party, but there is no requirement to do so. Registering as a party
member grants you the right to vote in that party’s primary election, like Presidential primaries. If you do not wish to become a member of any party, check off the bottom choice in the 'choose a party' box on the
form or it may not be considered complete by the Board of Elections.

Q. If I vote in a party’s primary election, do I have to vote for that party in the general election?
A. No. In the general election you have the right to vote for the candidate of any party -- or even to write in your own candidate -- no matter what party you chose to enroll in.

Q. Do I need any identification in order to vote on Election Day?
A. Probably not, but you may want to bring ID to be safe. Only certain newly registered voters are required bring an ID to the polls, so if you've voted in your county/NYC in a previous election you shouldn't need one. Most voters who have voted in a previous election will not have to show any identification or proof of citizenship to vote. The mailing or voter card you may have received in the mail is intended to help you locate your polling site, but it is not required to vote. As a voter all you will have to do is sign your name in the poll site book.
However, voters registering for the first time in their present county/NYC, may be asked to show ID at the polls in order to submit their ballot into a scanner, if they did not include their license (or non driver ID) number or the last four digits of their social security number on their registration form, or if their license/ID number/social security number couldn't be verified with the state's database. So new voters should make sure they bring ID with them to the polls and as a
precaution, already registered voters may want to do the same. All that said, even if you are asked to produce ID and that ID is rejected by poll workers it is still your right to vote by paper/affidavit ballot. If you are asked to show ID, all that is required is ”current and valid photo identification" with your name and picture such as a driver’s license or college ID. Government documents and utility bills or bank statements with your name and address are also acceptable forms of ID.

Q. How do I get an absentee ballot?
A. Ask the people registering you if they have an absentee ballot application. If they don’t, look on the bottom of the voter registration form. There you'll find a small box where you can request that an application for an absentee ballot be sent to you. You should fill out and return the application to the Board of Elections as soon as possible. The absentee ballots are sent just prior to the election. If a person is permanently disabled and unable to go to the polls they may apply for
permanent absentee ballot status on the application form.

Q. Where do I vote?
A. You should receive a card from the Board of Elections telling you where your polling site is. If you don’t, call toll free (866) VOTE-NYC or 311 if you live in NYC or your local Board of Elections or NYPIRG office. You can also find out your polling site online in New York City at: www.vote.nyc.ny.us. Outside of NYC you need to contact your local Board of Elections (http://www.elections.ny.gov/CountyBoards.html).

Q. I wasn’t born in the USA. Can I still register to vote?
A. Any citizen of the United States can register to vote. You are a citizen if you were born in USA (including Washington DC, Guam, Puerto Rico or the US Virgin Islands). You can also become a citizen through the naturalization process. Holders of green cards are not eligible to vote.

Q. Do I have to vote on all of the officials and issues on the ballot?
A. No. You can vote for as many or as few of the candidates & issues on the ballot as you like.

Q. Will I be called for jury duty if I register to vote?
A. Currently, the names of jurors are drawn from many lists, including: licensed drivers; state taxpayers; registered voters; and library card holders. So, if you have a driver’s license, a library card or if you have been mailed a state income tax return, your chances of avoiding jury duty by not registering to vote are very slim.

Q. I was convicted of a felony, can I vote?
A. If your crime was a felony in New York State, you can register once you are finished with your sentence and/or parole. If you are awaiting sentencing at a facility, on felony probation or were convicted of a misdemeanor, you can register and vote.

Q. How will I know I am registered to vote?
A. As a registered voter you should receive a postcard or mailing from the Board of Elections with information on your election and assembly district plus the address of your polling place. If you’re told your name is not on the list at your polling place on Election Day you are still entitled to vote on a paper ballot. (First, ask the poll workers to check that you're at the right table and site.) If you're at the right place and your name isn't on the list, you can also go before a judge on Election Day to secure your right to vote on a machine. If you have any questions or are having problems
casting your vote, a flyer about your rights as a voter is required to be at all polling places. Before Election Day, you can check your registration status online at: http://www.elections.ny.gov/

Q. Whom should I contact for additional forms or information?
A. In New York City, you can call the Board of Elections hotline toll free at (866) VOTE-NYC (868-3692) to find out if you're registered and to request additional forms. Or, contact your local Board of Elections or NYPIRG office. On the web try www.vote.nyc.ny.us, or www.elections.state.ny.us.

Q. I won’t be 18 until later this year. When can I register?
A. You can fill out and submit a voter registration form if you will turn 18 by Dec. 31st. You can only vote however, if you will be 18 by Election Day. Several weeks after you register, or after your 18th birthday, you’ll receive a card in the mail from the Board of Elections telling you where and when you can vote.

Q. I moved recently, can I vote in the election?
A. Federal and state laws say you shouldn’t lose your right to vote because you’ve recently made a short distance move. If you moved within the same Election District (E.D.) you should be able to vote on the same paper ballot and submit it to the scanner as you always have. (If you’ve moved within the same apt. building or dorm, you probably have the same E.D.) If you moved out of you E.D. but within the same county (or within the five boroughs of NYC) you’ll have to go to your new polling site to cast a paper ballot called an Affidavit Ballot. Unfortunately, if you've moved from out of state, from county to county or into or out of NYC you'll need to reregister. Contact your local Board of Elections (or (866) VOTENYC in NYC) for more info.

For more information contact: Your local NYPIRG office, the NYPIRG Voter Helpline at (212) 349-6460, or your local Board of Elections.

Absentee Ballot process differ slightly from state to state. You can find details about your state's process at vote.org.

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New York State residents who are registered to vote at their home address can follow the steps below to vote by Absentee Ballot:

1. Apply for an Absentee Ballot

As a student who is away from home on Election Day, you are automatically eligible for an Absentee Ballot. You can apply for your ballot through the Absentee Ballot Application Portal or you can download a hard copy to be printed and mailed. For the 2026 General Election, Absentee Ballot requests must be received by your local Board of Elections by Friday, October 23. UVOTE recommends that you submit your request much earlier than the deadline to avoid any delays or challenges.

Once you have submitted your Absentee Ballot request, you can track the status of your ballot online.

2. Receive Your Absentee Ballot

Check your campus mail regularly for the arrival of your Absentee Ballot. It will come in an envelope along with a Security Envelope and a pre-paid Return Envelope.

3. Vote on Your Absentee Ballot

Once your receive the ballot, mark the ballot according to your choices for each office following the instructions on the ballot. Be sure to check the back for additional Ballot Questions.

4. Place Ballot in Security Envelope

Identify the Security Envelope (it has a place for your signature). Once you have completed marking your ballot fold it up and place it in the Security Envelope. Sign and date the outside of the Security Envelope. Seal the Security Envelope.

5. Place Security Envelope in Return Envelope

Identify the Return Envelope (it has the return address of your county Board of Elections on the outside and should have a logo that reads, “Official Election Mail”). Place the Security Envelope in the Return Envelope. Seal the Return Envelope.

6. Mail Your Absentee Ballot

The Return Envelope does not require any additional postage. Bring your sealed envelope to the campus mailroom in Reamer, or a local Post Office. Your Ballot must be postmarked no later than November 3. UVOTE recommends that you mail your ballot much earlier than the deadline to avoid any delays or challenges.

7. Track Your Ballot

You can continue to track the status of your ballot online.

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Early Voting is an in-person method of casting your ballot before Election Day. Most states allow for some form of Early Voting in the days before Election Day to ensure voters are able to fit the process into their schedule and ease the burden on Poll Sites on Election Day. When participating in Early Voting in New York, you will use the same paper ballot process as you would on Election Day.

The availability of Early Voting differs by state.

Early Voting Info - New York State

Early Voting Info - all other states

For Union College students, Early Voting can be be a convenient way to participate in the election. Locally, Early Voting includes daytime, evening, weekday and weekend options.

Students registered using their campus address may vote at any of the Schenectady County Early Voting Sites. The Schenectady County Public Library, located just 3 blocks from campus at 99 Clinton Street serves as a convenient option.

Other students who are registered with their home address and are able to travel home during their community's Early Voting period may wish to cast their ballot that way (or can participate in the Absentee Ballot process through the mail).

Student registered to vote using their Union College address (and those with permanent addresses in Schenectady County) can participate in Schenectady's Early Voting process.

Early Voting Times

Check https://www.schenectadycountyny.gov/boe for info.

Early Voting Locations

All eligible voters can vote at any of the early voting sites within the County.

• Hon. Karen B. Johnson Library - 99 Clinton Street, Schenectady, NY 12305
• Glenville Senior Center - 32 Worden Road, Glenville, NY 12302
• Niskayuna Town Hall - 1 Niskayuna Circle, Niskayuna, NY 12309
• South Schenectady Volunteer Fire Department #6 - 6 Old Mariaville Road, Schenectady, NY 12306

Produced by the New York Public Interest Research Group

Do I need any ID to vote in the elections?
Probably not, but bring it just to be safe. Only voters registering for the first time in NY may have to show ID at the polls in order to vote on the machine or submit your ballot into the machine/scanner. All that is required is “current and valid photo identification” with your name and picture. Government documents, utility bills, or bank statements with your name and address are also acceptable. It is always your right to vote on a paper affidavit ballot, even if you have no ID or your ID is rejected by poll workers. Contact your local Board of Elections or NYPIRG for more info.

I recently moved within New York State but didn’t re-register.
Yes. If you registered at an old address, but have moved to another address within NYS, you can vote without having to re-register. Go to the polling site for your new address. You have the right to vote on a paper “affidavit ballot.” If you have questions, ask the poll worker for the voting rights flyer that details this and other rights. If you happen to have moved nearby and are still within the same Election District, you can cast your ballot using the scanner/machine.

Can I vote if my name isn’t on the voter list?
Yes. If you are “not in the book,” make sure the poll worker double checks that you are at the correct table and site. If your name is not on the list, or your signature is missing, you have a right to vote by a paper “affidavit ballot.” You will be asked to sign an oath saying you are registered, mark a paper ballot, and seal it in an envelope. Elections officials will later check their records to see if you are registered and at the right poll site. If yes, your vote will be cast. If not, you will receive a notice. If you have questions, ask the poll worker for a “voting rights” flyer; they are required to have one. The flyer will also tell you about your right to get a court order to vote on a machine. You can vote even if you recently moved within NYS. You need to be registered in a political party to vote in their primary election.

What if the scanner or machine is broken?
Yes. You have the right to vote by a paper “emergency ballot.” Make sure you fill in the circle for your candidate completely. It should be returned to the poll workers who should put it in a special box. It will be opened and counted that night just as if it were on the machine. You can also come back later and see if the machine has been repaired if you haven’t ‘checked in’ yet at your table.

Can I bring someone with me to help me vote? Are there accessible machines
Yes. You have the right to have anyone you choose assist you to cast your vote, as long as it’s not your union representative or employer. You can also ask for a pair of poll workers—a Democrat and a Republican— to assist you. Every poll site also has ballot marking devices that are accessible to voters with disabilities. All voters are allowed to use them.

What if I need a translator?
Some polling sites in New York State are required to have multi-lingual ballots and poll site materials, and translators fluent in Spanish, Chinese, Korean and/or Bengali. Your local Board of Elections can tell you if your site is covered.

Other important rights
- You are entitled to vote as long as you are in line by 9:00 pm.
-You may take any information into the polls with you. But you can’t solicit votes for a candidate or issue on the ballot, or electioneer, within 100 feet of the poll site entrance.
- Most polling places are accessible to people with disabilities. If yours is not, you may ask to have your records transferred to a nearby accessible polling place. (You may also vote by absentee ballot. Try to request an absentee ballot at least a month before Election Day.)
- Your right to vote may be “challenged” by someone at the polls. You’ll have to sign an oath swearing you’re eligible, but you still get to vote.
- All poll workers are required to wear an ID badge with their name

Your Poll Site is determined by your Voter Registration choice.

If you have registered to vote using your Union College address you have 2 options:

• You can participate in Early Voting at any of the designated Schenectady Early Voting sites.
• You can vote on Election Day at 806 Union Street (Church of St. John the Evangelist).

If you are registered to vote at your home address you have 2 options:

• You may be able to participate in Early Voting in-person. You will need to travel to your home district to do this, and have limited time options depending on the regulations of your home community.
• You can vote via Absentee Ballot.

If you live in the local area, but not on campus, you can find your Poll Site through this New York State resource.

If you have not yet registered to vote, please note that the voter registration process is bound by strict deadlines, and failure to meet those deadlines can limit your ability to participate in the election.

Your polling site is determined by your registration location. To vote in-person in Schenectady you must be registered using your Union College address. If you are voting in-person in New York State you will follow these steps:

Find Your Poll Site

In New York State, you have two options for in-person voting. You can participate in Early Voting at any of the centrally located sites in your district (Schenectady County's info can be found here) or you can go to your designated local Poll Site on Election Day (Union College's Poll Site is located at 806 Union Street).

When you enter the Poll Site, be ready to provide your name and address.

Get Your Paper Ballot

Sign in and get your paper ballot from the poll worker. A privacy sleeve will be provided to shield your ballot from view after you have marked it. Go to the privacy booth.

Mark Your Paper Ballot

In the privacy booth, fill in the ovals below the names of the candidates/proposals of your choice with the pen provided.

Do not use an "X." Do not circle the oval or make stray marks on the ballot

For a write-in candidate, fill in the appropriate oval and write in the candidate's name.

If you make an error, you may request a new ballot at any time prior to inserting it into the scanner.

Scan Your Paper Ballot

Take your ballot to the scanner area. Do not fold your ballot before inserting it into the scanner. Insert your marked ballot into the scanner to cast your vote. The scanner accepts ballots in any direction and reads both sides of the ballot. The scanner will notify you that your vote has been cast successfully.

If you mark more choices than you are supposed to, the scanner will notify you of an overvote. It will give you the option to cast your ballot "as is" or return your ballot. If you cast your ballot "as is" your vote in that contest will not be counted. If you choose to have your ballot returned to you, see a poll worker to receive a new ballot.

Know Your Rights

Review your Voter Rights to ensure your right to vote is not infringed upon.

Need Help?

Ask a poll worker; they are available to provide assistance.