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NEW YORK STATE VOTER’S
BILL OF RIGHTS

A NYPIRG FACT SHEET

Do I need any ID?

No. You do not have to show any identification to vote or proof of citizenship. The voter ID card you may have received in the mails is intended to help you locate your polling site, but it is not required to vote. As a voter you will have to sign your name in the poll site book.

I recently moved within the County/5 Boroughs of NYC, but didn’t re-register. Can I vote?

Yes. If you registered at an old address, but have moved to another address within the county/NYC, you can vote without having to re-register. Go to the polling site for your new address. Your name won't be in the poll book but 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 vote on the machine! See the section below for more info.

Can I vote if my name isn’t on the voter list?

Yes. If you are "not in the book," make sure the poll workers double checks that you are at the right table/site. Many people's Election Districts were changed this year, meaning you might be at a different table than you're used to. 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 computer records to see if you are registered. If you are, 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 an order to vote on a machine. You can vote even if you recently moved within your county/NYC - see above.

What if the machine is broken? Can I still vote?

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 decide to come back later and see if the machine has been repaired.

Can I bring someone with me to help me vote?

Yes. You have the right to have anyone you choose assist you to cast your vote inside the voting booth, as long as it's not your union representative or employer. You can also ask for a pair of poll workers-a Democrat and Republican- to assist you in the booth.

What if I need a translator?

Some polling sites in NYS are required to have ballots, poll site materials and translators fluent in Spanish, Chinese and/or Korean. 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.
• Each voter has three minutes to cast their vote on the machine.
• You may take any information in to the polls with you, including the non-partisan red, white and blue Voter Guide you should receive in the mail shortly before Election Day in NYC. But you can't solicit votes for a candidate or issue on the ballot or electioneer within 100 feet of the poll site entrance. (See page V.)
• 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.)
• If your right to vote is "Challenged", you'll have to sign an oath, but you still get to vote.
• All poll workers are required to wear an ID badge with their name.

Having problems? Call our voter helpline about your problem at (212) 349-6460 or contact your local NYPIRG office. 8/02 You can also try your local Board of Elections office.