Step 1: You must register to vote before the general election deadline.

• Deadline for General Election: MUST BE received by OCTOBER 18, 2018

• Qualifications to register to vote:

  • Must be a United States citizen

  • Turn 18 years old by December 31 of the year in which you file the form (note: you must be 18 years old by the date of the general election in which you want to vote)

  • Must be a resident of this state and the county, city, or village for at least 30 days before the election

  • Must not be in prison or on parole for a felony conviction and not be adjudged mentally incompetent by a court

  • Must not claim the right to vote elsewhere

• To register to vote, get and fill out the voter application form:

  • In person at your county board of elections www.elections.ny.gov/CountyBoards.html

  • At any New York State Agency-Based Voter Registration Center www.elections.ny.gov/NVRA.html

  • At the Department of Motor Vehicles, either in person or online if you already have a DMV-issued identification

  • By mail (form can be requested or can print from online) www.elections.ny.gov/VoterReg/VoterRegistration.aspx or www.elections.ny.gov/NYSBOE/download/voting/voteform_enterable.pdf

  • Call 1-800-FOR-VOTE hotline to request a voter application.

Step 2: Get educated. Knowledge is power.

• Watch and/or attend the debates held by the candidates.

• Know the candidates and research their views.

• Talk to people you trust and know to help you understand the candidates’ views and what they are saying they will fight for if elected.

Step 3: Exercise your right to vote

• Look on your voter registration card and go to your assigned location the day of the vote.

• Use your advocacy skills to get help, ask for any accommodations, or get assistance that you need at the voting location.

• Cast your vote!!