Voter registration deadline nears for primary election

Voter registration deadline nears for primary election

The State Board of Elections reminds all state residents to register to vote for the September 18 primary elections.

Mail-in voter registration forms must be postmarked by midnight, August 24 and received no later than August 29 to be valid for the upcoming primary election. Residents who have moved to a new county are reminded that they must re-register from their new address. Those who are currently registered and have moved to a new address in the same county should notify their county board of elections in writing of their move. The New York State Voter Registration Form can be used by new voters or by movers for these purposes.

Persons wanting to register in person may do so at county boards of elections and at many state agency offices throughout the state, but must do so no later than August 19 to be eligible to vote in the primary.

Requests for registration forms may also be made by calling 1-800-FOR-VOTE. Requests will be processed and the forms mailed to the caller's home or business address. Requests received after August 17 will still be processed, however, it is unlikely callers will receive their form in time to register for the primary. Internet users may download a registration form by contacting the State Board at www.elections.state.ny.us and clicking on "Voting."

Only voters enrolled in a party may vote in that party's primary election, except that non-enrolled voters may vote in any Independence Party statewide primary if they wish. Independence Party county committees may also choose to open their local primaries to non-enrolled voters.

For information on registering to vote in New York state, call the county board of elections or 1-800-FOR-VOTE.