If you’ve already requested and received your mail or absentee ballot for this New York City general election, you’re halfway there. Now it’s time to fill it out carefully, return it before the deadline, and ensure your vote is counted. Here’s a quick guide to help you through each step.
Cast your ballot
When your ballot arrives, take a moment to carefully read the instructions printed on it. Then, mark your choices for each office exactly as directed. Ranked Choice Voting will not be used in this November’s General Election, so you should select only one candidate for each office on the ballot.
Also Read: The 6 Ballot Questions New Yorkers Will See This November
After you’ve completed your selections, fold your ballot and place it inside the Security Envelope — the smaller envelope that includes a space for your signature. Next, sign and date the outside of the Security Envelope, then seal it completely to keep your ballot secure.
You’ll also find a Return Envelope included with your materials. It’s already addressed to your county Board of Elections and marked with the “Official Election Mail” logo. Simply place your sealed Security Envelope inside this Return Envelope. There’s no need to add postage. The return postage is already paid.
Finally, seal the Return Envelope tightly so it’s ready to mail or drop off.
Return your ballot
You have a few options.
- Mail it: If you prefer to mail your ballot, simply drop it in any U.S. mailbox. To make sure your vote counts, it must be postmarked no later than Election Day, November 4, 2025.
- Drop it off in person: You can also drop off your ballot in person. Bring it to your county Board of Elections office or a poll site by 9 p.m. on Election Day, November 4, 2025. If you’d rather drop it off earlier, you may do so at any early voting site in your borough during the early voting period, which runs from October 25 to November 2, 2025.
- Have someone deliver it for you: You may authorize another person to return your ballot for you. However, you must ensure that all other required steps (such as signing the Security Envelope) have been completed by you.
Track your ballot
After you’ve sent your ballot in, you can make sure it was received and accepted by using the NYC Ballot Tracker. This online tool allows you to see when your ballot was mailed to you, when it was received by election officials, and whether it was officially counted.
Fix a problem
If there’s an issue with your ballot — such as forgetting to sign your envelope — the Board of Elections will send you what’s called a “cure notice.” This notice lets you know what went wrong and how to fix it. You’ll be given clear instructions and a deadline to respond, so be sure to act quickly once you receive the notice to ensure your vote still counts.
If you decide to vote in person instead
If you’ve requested a mail ballot, you should plan to vote using that ballot. You can return your completed ballot by dropping it off at any voting site while the polls are open.
If you decide to vote in person instead, you’ll need to use an affidavit ballot at your polling place. This type of ballot looks a bit different from the regular ones, so don’t hesitate to ask a poll worker for assistance if you’re unsure how to complete it.
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Your affidavit ballot will only be counted if the Board of Elections has not already received your mail or absentee ballot.
Also Read: NYC Election Guide: Dates, Registration, and Voting Info
