NY primary voter guide 2026: Key dates, deadlines and what to know

NEW YORK - New Yorkers will soon head to the polls for the 2026 primary elections, kicking off a critical voting season that will help shape leadership at the city, state and federal levels.

NY primary elections 2026

Why you should care:

From Albany to Washington and even local City Council seats, the outcomes of these races will influence policy decisions that impact daily life across the five boroughs.

Here is your guide to the primaries, including what’s on the ballot and key dates to know before Election Day.

When is the primary election?

The New York primary election is set for June 23. Primary elections determine which candidates from each political party will advance to the general election later in the year. Only voters registered with a political party holding a primary can participate.

What is the voter registration deadline?

Voters must be registered by June 13, whether registering in person, by mail or online. Mail applications must be received by that date.

What is the absentee or mail-in ballot request deadline?

Requests to vote by absentee or mail-in ballot must be submitted by June 13, if applying online or by mail. In-person requests can be made through June 22.

Completed absentee or mail-in ballots must be returned in person by June 23. Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked by June 23.

Is early voting available?

Yes. Early voting is available to all eligible voters.

When does early voting take place?

Early voting runs from June 13 through June 21, giving voters multiple opportunities to cast their ballot ahead of Election Day.

When are polls open on Election Day?

Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Eastern Time on June 23.

What’s on the ballot in the June primary?

Voters will see a mix of city, state and federal races. These offices play a key role in shaping policies that affect New Yorkers statewide and locally.

All voters registered with a major political party can vote for:

• Governor and lieutenant governorGov. Kathy Hochul (D) is running for reelectionNassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman (R) is the leading Republican candidate
• Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) is running for reelection
• Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman (R) is the leading Republican candidate

• State attorney generalLetitia James (D), the incumbent, is running for reelectionSaritha Komatireddy (R) is the main Republican challenger
• Letitia James (D), the incumbent, is running for reelection
• Saritha Komatireddy (R) is the main Republican challenger
• State comptrollerThomas DiNapoli (D), the longtime incumbentRaj Goyle (D)Drew Warshaw (D)
• Thomas DiNapoli (D), the longtime incumbent
• Raj Goyle (D)
• Drew Warshaw (D)
• State Senate & State AssemblyThere are dozens of races across New York, and candidates vary by district. More than 1,000 positions are on the ballot statewide, including legislative seats.Legislative races depend on where you live, so ballots will differ.
• There are dozens of races across New York, and candidates vary by district. More than 1,000 positions are on the ballot statewide, including legislative seats.
• Legislative races depend on where you live, so ballots will differ.

Depending on where they live, some voters may also see:

• U.S. House of Representatives
• City Council, limited to Council District 3

Voters can check their district and polling location ahead of time to confirm exactly what will appear on their ballot.

What happens after the primary?

What's next:

Winners of each party’s primary will move on to the general election in November. 

That election is open to all eligible voters, regardless of party affiliation, and may also include ballot proposals addressing statewide or local issues.

2026 ElectionsPoliticsNew York