Voting is a constitutional right and a civic responsibility. When you vote, you are raising your voice. You are also keeping our tradition of government “of the people, by the people, for the people” alive for generations to come. Not registered? Not a problem. We’re here to make the registration process as easy as possible.
The Federal Higher Education Act requires universities to make a good faith effort to have voter registration forms available to all students eligible to vote.
To vote in New York State you must:
- be a U.S. citizen
- be 18 years of age by the date of the primary, general or other election
- live at your present address at least 30 days before an election
- not be incarcerated or on parole for a felony conviction
- not claim the right to vote elsewhere
Upcoming Elections
Visit the Onondaga County or the New York State Board of Elections for election dates and voter registration information. For the best answers to your questions, call the Onondaga County Board of Elections at (315) 435-8683.
- The Presidential Primary Election is Tuesday, April 2, 2024. Polls are open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- The Primary Election is Tuesday, June 25, 2024. Polls are open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- The General Election is Tuesday, November 5, 2024. Polls are open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Register to Vote!
The first step is to check your voter registration status.
If you wish to register to vote in New York State, you may:
- register to vote online using the New York State Board of Elections’ Online Voter Registration portal.
- complete an online accessible New York State Voter Registration Form (here). Once the form is completed, you need to print the form, sign and date it. Then, mail the form to your county board of elections.
- submit a voter application form at the NYS DMV web site if you are a NYS resident and have a New York State DMV issued driver license, permit or Non-Driver ID.
- request a New York State Voter Registration form by mail by using their database.
- Paper registration forms will be available in September until October 25, 12 p.m., at drop boxes at Bird Library in the Library Commons, first floor; the Schine Student Center; and the Goldstein Student Center on South Campus. Fill out your form and drop it in the box. The office of Government Relations will deliver your form to the Board of Elections.
If you need to make changes to your registration, such as change of address, use the voter registration form. The county board of elections must receive this change at least 15 days before the general election.
Where should you vote? In your hometown or here in Syracuse at your campus address? The decision about where to register is up to you. You may want to think about how local politicians will impact the lives of Syracuse students; or, are there races back home that you feel strongly about? Would you prefer to vote in person on Election Day or would you prefer to apply for an absentee ballot and mail it back to your home county?
Absentee Voting
Voting in your hometown means you can participate in decisions at the local level. Learn more about the steps to take to cast your vote back home from here in The ‘Cuse, whether elsewhere in New York State or in another state.
New York State Deadlines
Don’t miss an important deadline! For specific information, check at the Onondaga County Board of Elections (315) 435-8683, or at the New York State Board of Elections.
Early Voting
New York State voters can vote in-person before Election Day. Voters registered in Onondaga County will be able to vote at any early voting site. Visit the Onondaga County Board of Elections for more information.
Polling Locations
To find your polling place, or to check your voter registration, visit the NYS Board of Elections website.
Syracuse University has two campus polling locations: 1.) Huntington Hall – University Ave & Marshall Street (Marshall St. Entrance); and 2.) Goldstein Student Center , 401 Skytop Road. You may only vote at these locations if they are your polling location as assigned by the NYS Board of Elections.
Voting Questions?
If you have questions about the process we can connect you to the experts who have answers!
You may also reference the First Time Voters Guide: How to Cast Your Ballot in 7 Steps (by STEPS Student Training & Education in Public Service) https://www.publicservicedegrees.org/resources/student-voting-guide/
The guide includes:
– How to vote in 7 steps, from registering to choosing a party affiliation to casting your ballot.
– Unique resources for major first-time voter populations, including college students, LGBTQIA+ and minority communities, and voters with disabilities.
– How to cast your vote while studying or living abroad.