Safety and Voting
Many survivors of intimate partner violence, domestic violence, and sexual violence move for safety reasons and want to keep their new address private. So it’s important to remember that voter registration information is public.
If you are a victim of domestic violence or sexual violence, know that you have the right to have your voter registration information be confidential. Victims of domestic violence also have the right to ask to vote by mail. Even victims who are staying in shelter can vote.
Who can register to vote in New York State?
To register to vote, you must:
- Be a United States citizen
- Be 18 years old
- Live in this state, and county, city or village for at least 30 days before the election
- Be mentally competent
- Not claim the right to vote elsewhere
How can I register to vote?
- You can register to vote online at the NYS website or at the NYS Board of Elections website. To register online you will need your:
- NYS driver license, permit, or non-driver ID Card
- Zip code currently on record with the Department of Motor Vehicles
- Social Security Number
- You can register in person at your County Board of Elections or at any New York State Agency-Based voter registration center.
- You can download a voter registration form and follow the instructions. The form can be used to register to vote, change your name or address on your voter registration, to change your party membership, or to pre-register to vote if you are 16 or 17 years old.
- You may also submit your voter application form at the Department of Motor Vehicles, either in person or on their website.
- You can request a New York State Voter Registration form be mailed to you.
- You can call 1-800-FOR-VOTE hotline to request a voter application.
- Print and sign the application forms that are available online, and then either mail them to your County Board of Elections or bring them to one of the NYS Agency-based voter registration centers.
Who can ask for their voter registration information to be kept confidential?
You can ask to have your voter registration information confidential if:
- You are a victim of domestic violence who was physically or emotionally injured, or there was a substantial risk of injury, and the person who hurt you was a family or household member.
- You are a victim of a sexual crime.
I have not registered to vote because I do not want my abuser to find me. How can I still exercise my right to vote?
You can register to vote by mail or online. And as a victim of domestic violence or sexual violence, you have the right to ask that your registration information be kept confidential.
First, download and sign a Statement of a Confidential Voter form from the NYS Board of Elections website stating:
- You are a victim of domestic violence or a a victim of a sexual crime, and
- Because of the threat of physical or emotional harm to you, your family, or household members, you wish to keep your registration record confidential.
Next, take or mail this form to your County Board of Elections. Complete your voter registration, and then confirm that they will keep your voter registration record confidential and not available to the public.
Your processed application lasts for four years. After it expires, you may re-apply.
I already registered to vote. Is it too late to have my voter registration information be kept confidential?
If you are a victim of domestic violence or sexual violence, it is not too late to have your voter registration kept confidential.
Download and sign a Statement of a Confidential Voter form from the NYS Board of Elections website stating that you are a victim of domestic violence or sexual violence, and because of threat of physical or emotional harm to you or to family or household members, you wish to keep your registration record confidential.
Next, take or mail this form to your County Board of Elections. Complete your voter registration, and then confirm that they will keep your voter registration record confidential and will not make it available to the public.
I am registered to vote in one county but
I am registered to vote in one county but:
I fled to another county in New York State because of domestic violence, or
I am now staying in a domestic violence shelter.
Can I still vote? How?
Yes. You can vote by mail using a special ballot (which is similar to an absentee ballot). You must provide your county Board of Elections with a signed written statement saying:
- You are a victim of domestic violence,
- You left your home because of domestic violence, and
- You wish to cast a special ballot in the next election because of the threat of emotional or physical harm to yourself or your family members.
This statement must also include your address of registration. Contact the County Board of Elections in the county that you are registered to vote and from which you fled. Ask for their procedures for obtaining a special ballot. They may have a special form for you to complete. Example: Special Ballot application – Albany County and Essex County Special Ballot application.
Because the special ballot is not commonly used, it is important to have a copy of the law. Show or send the law to the County Board of Elections so they understand what you are asking.
I participate in New York State’s Address Confidentiality Program. How do I register to vote?
If you already participate in the Address Confidentiality Program, you can contact the Board of Elections directly for help in voting without disclosing your actual address.
NYS BOARD OF ELECTIONS
40 NORTH PEARL STREET, SUITE 5
ALBANY, NY 12207-2729
(518) 474-6220
For more information, see the NYS Address Confidentiality Program Page.
You can find more information on the following:
- Voting and survivor privacy
- Safer voting tips
- Voting rights if you are homeless
- Everything you need to vote in your state election center
- Registering to vote or updating your voter information in NYS
- General voter information and voting information for domestic violence victims