VOTING 101
Register to Vote
Are you voting for the first time? Are you looking to re-register so you can vote locally, while going to school at Stony Brook University? Check your voter registration status, learn about your eligibility to register, get guidance about voter registration and learn more about voting methods.
Voting Information for Midterms
Voting isn’t just on Election Day. Learn the different ways to vote and choose what works best for you. For specifics related to 2026 Primary Elections (during which party-specific representatives are selected for the Election Day ballot), visit vote411.org.
Voting In Person: On Election Day
Step 1: Find your assigned polling location
Step 2: Bring photo ID, if required (requirements differ by state)
Step 3: Complete your ballot
Voting In Person: Early Voting
Step 1: Confirm early voting period; NYS Midterm Elections early voting period is October 24th - November 1st
Early Voting Calendar By State
Step 2: Check your early voting location; for out of state locations contact your local Board of Elections for details.
Early Voting Locations (New York)
Step 3: Bring photo ID, if required and complete your ballot (see links provided above.)
Voting By Mail / Absentee Voting
Step 1: Request a ballot or in person at your local Board of Elections
Request Mail-In Ballot (New York)
Step 2: Once you recieve the ballot, follow the instructions to fill it out and mark your choices
Step 3: Upon completion, fold the ballot and place it in the provided security envelope. This envelope will have a place for your signature. Sign and date the outside of the security envelope. Seal the envelope.
Step 4: All early mail ballots include a pre-paid return envelope - this does not require any additional postage. Place the security envelope in the return envelope. The return envelope will have your county's Board of Elections' return address on the outside and should include a logo that reads "Official Election Mail."
NOTE: MISSING SIGNATURES OR INSTRUCTIONS CAN INVALIDATE A BALLOT.
For nationwide absentee and early mail voting information, visit vote.org.
Additional Resources
For Non-Eligible Voters
The Center for Civic Justice compiled international voting information. Students are encouraged to partake in their country’s elections and exercise their right to vote from wherever they are.
International Student Voting Resources