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2026 GENERAL ELECTION GUIDE

Writer: Kat Anstett
Kat Anstett
2 hours ago
21 min read

TL;DR | Do you have a voting plan?

Check your your voter registration, view your sample ballot, and track your mail-in ballot if you are voting by mail here.

Click here to find your polling location and here to find early voting locations if you are voting early!

WHY BOTHER?

If we really want a democracy of the people by the people rooted in the inherent dignity of all those who make up this country, regardless of race, gender, or class, we have to first accept that for all the progress generations have made in fighting for a country that includes their voices, in the United States, in the City of Buffalo, and in Erie County, democracy has never been fair and does not include a large portion of the population. Then each of us has to decide if we are committed to fighting for a democracy that reflects the interests of a diverse electorate or will we allow the concentration of power in the hands of a few elites, whether they are political leaders, wealthy technocrats, or corporate entities.


Voting is only one tool that we can use to help shape public policy and determine who represents us and the values we want in our representatives. BUT it works best when we all participate, participation is accessible, we make decisions based on accurate information, and when we follow up our vote with other forms of civic participation. Democratic participation is more than going out to vote every four years, and it is essential that we continue to hold those in power accountable. However voting for the representatives that reflect the world in which we are fighting to build, where everyone has the resources to not only survive but thrive and everyone has the ability to participate in the decisions that impact their lives, is the first step.



KEY DATES



Voter Registration

To check voter your registration status visit voterlookup.elections.ny.gov


To qualify for voter registration in New York State, a person must:

  • Be a United States citizen;

  • Be a resident of the county, city, or village for at least 30 days prior to the election,

  • Be at least 18 years old by the date of the election(you may pre-register at 16 or 17 but cannot vote until you are 18);

  • Not be in prison for a felony conviction; learn more about voting rights for people convicted of a felony, misdemeanor, or are awaiting trial;

  • Not be adjudged mentally incompetent by a court;

  • Not claim the right to vote elsewhere


In New York State, you can register to vote online, in person or by mail.

  • Online Registration - To register online you will need to use a NY.Gov ID. If you have previously used a NY.Gov ID with another agency, you may use the same login to access the Online Voter Registration portal. If you have not used a NY.Gov ID you will need to create an account. You can also use the Board of Elections’ Online Voter Registration portal to update your voter registration information. Updated information could include a new name, new address, or changing your party enrollment. Completed applications are sent to the appropriate County Board of Elections for approval and processing.

  • In Person Registration - In Erie County, you can register in-person the following ways:

    • at the Erie County Board of Elections located at 134 W Eagle St 3rd Fl Buffalo NY, 14202;

    • at any New York State Agency-Based voter registration center; or

    • at the Department of Motor Vehicles, either in person or on their web site if you already have DMV-issued identification

  • By Mail Registration - In Erie County, you can request a registration form the following ways:

    • Request a New York State Voter Registration form by mail by entering your name directly into the Voter Registration Form Request mailing list; or

    • Call the 1-800-FOR-VOTE (1-800-367-8683) hotline to request a voter application

    Once the form is completed, you need to print the form and sign and date it. Then, mail or deliver the form to Erie County Board of Elections. Note that the Board of Elections cannot accept any kind of digital or Adobe-generated electronic signature. A Large Print Voter Registration Form can be also be filled out and mailed or delivered to the Erie County Board of Elections.


Voter Registration forms must be received by the Board of Elections by October 24th.


This year, the general election is on:  November 3, 2026 


You must vote at your assigned polling place on election day. You will get a card in the mail with you polling location and you can also look it here. Polls are open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. A voter who is in line at the time polls close must be allowed to vote 

Early voting begins October 24th and runs until November 1st.


Early voting locations will be open Saturday, October 24th and Sunday, October 25th 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, October 26th to October 30th Noon to 9:00 PM, and Saturday, October 31st and Sunday, November 1st, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM


During early voting you can vote at any of the early voting locations regardless of where you live or hand deliver a completed absentee ballot to an early voting location.

Any qualified voter may apply for an early mail ballot. You may request an early mail ballot without a reason.


Alternatively, a voter may also request an absentee ballot in New York if the voter is:

  • Absent from their county of residence on Election Day;

  • Unable to appear at the polls due to temporary or permanent illness or disability;

  • Unable to appear because they are the primary caregiver of one or more individuals who are ill or physically disabled;

  • A resident or patient of a Veterans Health Administration Hospital; OR

  • In jail or prison for any reason other than a felony conviction. This includes anyone who is awaiting grand jury action, awaiting trial, or serving a sentence for a misdemeanor.


You can request an absentee ballot online or you can call the Erie County Board of Elections at (716) 858-8891 to request one. You also can apply here for an accessible absentee ballot which allows the ballot to be read on a computer and marked with personal assistive device. If you are voting via absentee ballot you can track it here.


Absentee Ballot Request Deadlines:

  • Mail: Received on or before October 24th

  • Online: Received on or before October 24th

  • In Person: Received on or before November 2nd at the Erie County Board of Elections


Absentee Ballot Return Deadlines:

  • Mail: The last day to postmark your absentee ballot is.November 3rd. It must be received by the Erie County Board of Elections no later than November 10th

  • In Person: The last day to deliver an absentee ballot in person to the Erie County Board of Elections or poll site, by close of polls is November 3rd



MAJOR RACES

For the 2026 General Election, voters in Erie County will have key congressional, state, and local races on their ballots. The outcome of state and local races, in addition to 11 City of Buffalo ballot proposals, term limit ballot proposals in Amherst and Cheektowaga, and multiple town Justice, Supervisor, and Councilmember races across the county have the potential to profoundly impact our daily lives. We break down which races will be on Erie County residents' ballots this November, your voting rights, and additional resources to support you in making your decision on who to vote for and what to do if you run into barriers.


Candidates listed are those that qualified for ballot access along with qualifying party lines according to Erie County Board of Elections. 

* Indicates incumbency | ** Indicates incumbency via appointment


Congressional Election

  • U.S. House of Representatives 

    All 435 seats are up for grabs across the country, with Republicans currently holding a slight majority.  There are two U.S. House seats on the ballots for Erie County voters this November, one for each district depending on where you live. 

  • NYS 23rd Congressional District (2 Year Term - Vote for 1)
  • NYS 26th Congressional District (2 Year Term - Vote for 1)

  • New York State currently has a Democratic State government trifecta, meaning that the Democratic political party holds the governorship and majorities in both chambers of the state legislature. New York State Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Comptroller, Attorney General, State Assembly, State Senate, and Supreme Court Judge races will be on Erie County voters' ballots this November.

  • New York State Governor

    • Kathy Hochul* (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) 

    • Bruce Blakeman (Republican Party, Conservative Party, Vote Affordable Party)

  • New York State Lieutenant Governor

    • Adrienne Adams (Democratic Party, Working Families Party) 

    • Todd Hood (Republican Party, Conservative Party, Vote Affordable Party)

  • New York State Comptroller
  • New York State Attorney General
  • New York State Senate

    Find your Senate District arcg.is/TaHHz

    • District 60 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1)

    • District 61 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1)

    • District 63 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1)

  • New York State Assembly

    Find your Assembly District arcg.is/mjufK1

    • District 139 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1)

    • District 140 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1)

    • District 141 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1)

    • District 142 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1)

    • District 143 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1)

    • District 144 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1)

    • District 145 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1)

    • District 146 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1)

    • District 147 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1)

    • District 148 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1)

    • District 149 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1)

    • District 150 (2 Year Term - Vote for 1)

  • New York State Supreme Court Justice - 8th Judicial District (14 Year Term - Vote for 4)
  • Erie County Clerk
  • Erie County Legislator - 1st District
  • Erie County Legislator - 2nd District
  • Erie County Legislator - 3rd District
  • Erie County Legislator - 4th District
  • Erie County Legislator - 5th District
  • Erie County Legislator - 6th District
  • Erie County Legislator - 7th District

    • Timothy Meyers* (Democratic Party, Working Families Party)

    • Uncontested

  • Erie County Legislator - 8th District
  • Erie County Legislator - 9th District
  • Erie County Legislator - 10th District
  • Erie County Legislator - 11th District
  1. City of Buffalo Election and Ballot Proposals
    • City Court Judge (10 Year Term - Vote for 1)
    • Ballot Proposal Number 1: City of Buffalo Charter Amendment regarding Acting Public Officials

      Amends City Charter clarifying that any reference to the Mayor, Comptroller, Councilmember, Council President or Council president pro tempore includes any person holding such office in an acting capacity.


      A “YES” Vote will add a section to the City Charter clarifying that officials in an acting capacity have all of the powers of the permanent office.


      A “NO” vote will leave the City Charter unchanged.


      Abstract: Currently the Buffalo City Charter provides for filling vacancies in certain public offices on an acting basis. This local law makes it clear that a person assuming the specific offices of Mayor, Council Member, Comptroller, Common Council President or Common Council President pro tempore on an acting basis has all of the powers and duties of the permanent position while in an acting capacity.


    • Ballot Proposal Number 2: City of Buffalo Charter Amendment to require Charter Revision Commissions Every Ten Years

      Amends the City of Buffalo Charter to require the establishment of a Charter Revision Commission at least once every ten years.


      A “YES” vote will mandate a City of Buffalo Charter Revision Commission at least every ten years.


      A “NO” vote will not mandate a Charter Revision Commission every ten years.


      Abstract: The City of Buffalo Charter has only been reviewed by a Charter Revision Commission twice since 1999. This Amendment to the City Charter would require the Common Council to establish a commission to formally review the Charter every ten years.


    • Ballot Proposal Number 3: City of Buffalo Charter Amendment empowering Council to fill vacancy if Council President becomes Acting Mayor

      Amends City Charter to empower the Common Council to temporarily fill the district seat of the Common Council President if that person becomes Acting Mayor.


      A “YES” vote will allow the Common Council to temporarily fill the district seat of a Common Council President who becomes Acting Mayor.


      A “NO” vote will leave the district seat of a Common Council President who becomes Acting Mayor vacant.


      Abstract: When Mayor Byron Brown resigned before the end of his term in 2024 it created a vacancy that would not be filled permanently until the 2025 general election. It was not clear what happens when the Common Council President temporarily assumes the powers and duties of the Mayor if the Mayor leaves office before the end of their term. As the Common Council President is also a district councilmember and a person can’t be both Mayor and Councilmember, the South District was left without a representative for over a year. This Charter amendment would allow the Common Council to fill such a district seat on a temporary basis.


    • Ballot Proposal Number 4: City of Buffalo Charter Amendment to Limit Holdover Terms and to Review Inactive Boards

      Amends the City Charter to limit members of City boards from serving past the expiration of their terms and requires the Common Council to review boards that have been inactive.


      A “YES” vote will limit members of City boards from serving more than sixty days after their terms expire and will require the Common Council to review the status of inactive City Boards.


      A “NO” vote will maintain the current situation where members of many city boards serve long after the expiration or their terms and dormant City boards remain in existence for years after they are no longer active.


      Abstract: Currently many boards, commissions and other public bodies that are in the City Charter remain in existence on paper even though they have not met in years, and many members of City boards have never been reappointed or replaced even though their term expired. This Charter amendment would suspend these dormant boards until the Common Council reviews the need for them and would limit the holdover status of board members to sixty days.


    • Ballot Proposal Number 5: City of Buffalo Charter Amendment regarding Mayoral Succession

      Amends the Charter clarifying that in the event the office of Mayor becomes vacant, the Common Council President becomes Acting Mayor.


      A “YES” Vote will amend section 4-5 of the City Charter to clarify that if the office of Mayor becomes vacant the Common Council President becomes Acting Mayor.


      A “NO” vote will leave the City Charter unchanged.


      Abstract: When Mayor Brown left office before the end of his term, it was not clear if the Common Council President became Acting Mayor or just assumed the powers and duties of the office. This amendment would clarify that the Council President becomes Acting Mayor and that the district seat becomes temporarily vacant and can be filled by the Common Council.


    • Ballot Proposal Number 6: City of Buffalo Charter Amendment to require public website about City boards and board training

      Amends City Charter to require a website providing information about City boards, including an application to fill vacancies, and requires training and orientation for new board members.


      A “YES” vote will mandate that the city establish such a website and training.


      A “NO” vote will not mandate such a website and training.


      ABSTRACT: Currently there is no requirement that the City maintain a publicly accessible website for information about the numerous boards, commissions, committees and other public bodies that conduct many elements of City business. While there is some information regarding some of these bodies on a City website, much of this information is not kept up to date or is just missing, Also, there is no formal way for members of the public body to know about opportunities items to serve on these bodies or for persons appointed to these boards to get orientation or training to serve on such bodies. This local law will mandate that the City maintain a website to provide this information to the public and to provide orientation and training to persons appointed to such boards.


    • Ballot Proposal Number 7: City of Buffalo Charter Amendment for creation of temporary task forces

      Amends Buffalo City Charter to empower the Mayor and the Common Council to appoint temporary task forces for terms not exceeding two years.


      A “YES” vote will give these powers to the Mayor and Common Council.


      A “NO” vote will not give them this power.


      Abstract: The Mayor and the Common Council will be able to appoint temporary task forces to advise them on matters pertaining to the administration, safety or welfare of the City of Buffalo.


    • Ballot Proposal Number 8: City of Buffalo Charter Amendment on Budget Adoption Procedures

      Amends Charter to give additional powers to the Comptroller to recommend revenue and expenditure estimates in the Mayor’s proposed annual budget and for Common Council to implement those recommendations.


      A “YES” vote would add these powers.


      A “NO” vote would leave the current powers unchanged.


      Abstract: Currently the City Comptroller has limited time and power to review and make recommendations on the Mayor’s tentative budget once it is submitted to the Common Council, and the Comon Council has no power to adjust revenue or expenditure estimates. This Charter amendment would require the Mayor to provide the proposed tentative budget to the Comptroller before submission to the Common Council. If the Comptroller recommends changes to the Mayor’s revenue or expenditure estimates, the Common Council will be able to adjust those numbers downward by a two-thirds vote and any expenditure estimate upward by a majority vote.


    • Ballot Proposal Number 9: City of Buffalo Charter Amendment to create an Election Reforms Task Force

      Amends City Charter to establish a task force to study and make recommendations on election reforms in the City of Buffalo.


      A “YES” vote would establish an Election Reforms Task Force.


      A “NO” vote would not establish an Election Reforms Task Force.


      Abstract: The City of Buffalo Charter Revision Commission established in 2025 discussed several proposals to change how primary and general elections for the offices of Mayor, Comptroller, Councilmembers and City Court Judges could be conducted, including the use of ranked choice voting and open primaries. This local law would establish a task force to study and examine these issues and make recommendations for submitting local law proposals on these issues at the City of Buffalo November 2028 general election.


    • Ballot Proposal Number 10: City of Buffalo Charter Amendment to Create a Civilian Police Advisory Commission

      Amends City Charter to create Civilian Police Advisory Commission.


      A “YES” vote will create a City of Buffalo Civilian Police Advisory Commission.


      A “NO” vote will not create a City of Buffalo Civilian Police Advisory Commission.


      Abstract: Effective February 1, 2027, a Civilian Police Advisory Commission made up of city residents, would be created in order to advise the various City of Buffalo departments on issues pertaining to Buffalo policing policies with the goal of increasing transparency and reporting, and improving resident-police relations.


    • Ballot Proposal Number 11: City of Buffalo Charter Amendment to create a Commission on Human Rights

      Amends City Charter to establish a Commission on Human Rights to ensure respect, protection, promotion, and enjoyment of human rights for all residents of the City of Buffalo.


      A “YES” vote would establish a Commission on Human Rights.


      A “NO” vote would not establish a Commission on Human Rights.


      Abstract: This City Charter provision would establish an empowered Commission on Human Rights thereby replacing the current Commission on Citizen’s Rights and Community Relations. The new Commission on Human Rights would be granted expanded powers including making recommendations to the Mayor, Common Council, City Departments, and wider community regarding legislation and other appropriate measures to further human rights protection of residents in the City of Buffalo.

  • Supervisor (2 Year Term - Vote for 1)

    • Gwendolyn A Bork (Republican Party, Conservative Party)

    • Uncontested

  • Town Justice (4 Year Term - Vote for 1)

    • Louis C Mussari* (Republican Party, Conservative Party)

    • Uncontested

  • Ballot Proposal Number 1: Term Limits

    Shall the Town of Amherst limit the elected consecutive terms of Supervisor and Councilmember to two four-year terms and Town Clerk and Town Superintendent of Highways to three four-year terms?


    A "YES" vote establishes term limits for the offices of Supervisor, Councilmember, Town Clerk, and Superintendent of Highways.


    A "NO" vote would not alter the current terms of these offices.


    Abstract: Shall there be approved and adopted in the Town of Amherst, New York, a Local Law entitled “2026 Town of Amherst Term Limits Local Law,” as enacted by the Town Board of the Town of Amherst on the 27th day of July, 2026, limiting the terms of Supervisor and Councilmember to no more than two consecutive terms of four years each and limiting the terms of Town Clerk and Town Superintendent of Highways to no more than three consecutive terms of four years each? The elected town offices of Supervisor, Councilmember, Town Clerk, and Town Superintendent of Highways shall constitute different public offices.

  • Supervisor (2 Year Term - Vote for 1)

    • Charles D Snyder* (Republican Party)

    • Raymond M Wrazen (Democratic Party, Working Families Party)

  • Councilmember (To Fill Vacancy - Vote for 1)

    • Molly Flynn (Democratic Party, Working Families Party)

    • Shane M Krieger (Republican Party, Conservative Party)

  • Town Justice (4 Year Term - Vote for 1)

    • Kyle W Calabrese* (Republican Party, Conservative Party)

    • Uncontested

  • Councilmember (To Fill Vacancy - Vote for 1)

    • Donna M Marien** (Republican Party, Conservative Party)

    • Debora L Bushnell (Democratic Party)

  • Town Justice (4 Year Term - Vote for 1)

    • Donald L Clark (Republican Party, Conservative Party)

    • Uncontested

  • Councilmember (To Fill Vacancy - Vote for 1)

    • Rachel L Martinez (Democratic Party)

    • David J DeFields Jr (Republican Party, Conservative Party)

  • Town Justice (4 Year Term - Vote for 1)

    • John J Wanat* (Democratic Party, Republican Party, Conservative Party)

    • Uncontested

  • Ballot Proposal Number 1: Term Limits

    Shall the Town of Cheektowaga establish Term Limits for the office of Supervisor, Town Clerk, Superintendent of Highways, and Councilmember limited to 12 years, or three (3) terms, excluding uncompleted terms of office?


    A "YES" vote would establish term limits for Supervisor, Town Clerk, Superintendent of Highways, and Councilmembers in the Town.


    A "NO" vote would not alter or impose such term restrictions on these offices in the Town.


    Abstract: A Local Law to Modify and Establish Term Limits in the Town of Cheektowaga. The local law will limit the term of office for Supervisor, Town Clerk, Superintendent of Highways, and Councilmember to 12 years, or three (3) terms if any such term is included as a result of the passage of Chapter 741 of the laws of 2023, excluding uncompleted terms of office. A "YES" vote would establish term limits for Supervisor, Town Clerk, Superintendent of Highways and Councilmembers in the Town. A "NO" vote would not alter or impose such term restrictions on these offices in the Town.

  • Town Justice (4 Year Term - Vote for 1)
  • Supervisor (2 Year Term - Vote for 1)

    • Kenneth E. Martin* (Republican Party, Conservative Party)

    • Uncontested

  • Town Justice (4 Year Term - Vote for 1)

    • Michael F. Cooper* (Republican Party)

    • Sylvia L Jock  (Democratic Party)

    • Kurt R Stitzel (Conservative Party)

  • Town Superintendent of Highways (To Fill Vacancy - Vote for 1)

    • Nicholas G Blasz** (Republican Party, Conservative Party)

    • Uncontested

  • Supervisor (2 Year Term - Vote for 1)

    • Wayne A Clark* (Republican Party, Conservative Party)

    • Uncontested

  • Town Justice (4 Year Term - Vote for 1)
  • Town Justice (4 Year Term - Vote for 1)

    • Donald D Hepkins* (Democratic Party, Republican Party, Conservative Party)

    • Uncontested

  • Town Justice (4 Year Term - Vote for 1)

    • Christopher H O'Brien* (Republican Party, Conservative Party)

    • Uncontested

  • Town Justice (4 Year Term - Vote for 1)

    • David S Stabler* (Republican Party, Conservative Party)

    • Uncontested

  • Supervisor (2 Year Term - Vote for 1)

    • Brian W Nolan Sr (Republican Party)

    • Uncontested

  • Town Justice (4 Year Term - Vote for 1)

    • Taylor A Erhardt* (Republican Party, Conservative Party)

    • Uncontested

  • Town Justice (4 Year Term - Vote for 2)

    • Michael J Pastrick* (Democratic Party, Republican Party, Conservative Party)

    • Charles A Messina* (Democratic Party, Republican Party, Conservative Party)

  • Town Justice (4 Year Term - Vote for 1)

    • Eric G Place* (Republican Party, Conservative Party)

    • Uncontested

  • Supervisor (To Fill Vacancy - Vote for 1)

    • John J Flynn** (Democratic Party, Conservative Party)

    • Uncontested

  • Supervisor (2 Year Term - Vote for 1)
  • Town Justice (4 Year Term - Vote for 1)

    • Michael S Simon* (Republican Party, Conservative Party)

    • Uncontested

  • Councilmember (To Fill Vacancy - Vote for 1)

    • Jeffrey M Quain (Democratic Party)

    • John M Rusinski (Republican Party, Conservative Party)

Relevant Resources:


VOTING RIGHTS

Across the country, marginalized communities are facing disenfranchisement through voter ID requirements, reduced polling hours, restrictions to mail-in voting, and aggressive voter roll purges. Plans by the federal government to commit voter intimidation, to contract with election deniers, and centralize voter eligibility data could lead to further disenfranchisement of eligible voters. Additionally, the rapid adoption of generative AI and AI chatbots by candidates, federal government agencies, and the general public have contributed to the proliferation of election misinformation and cyberthreats further weakening election integrity. It is within this context that we review the rights and protections that are in place for New York voters in this shifting electoral landscape.


Voter Identification

Voters of New York State are not required to present identification while voting. However, if a voter does not provide valid identification at the time of registration, they must show identification at the polling place when voting for the first time.


Voters can present the following forms of identification:

  • A current, valid photo ID, including but not limited to a drivers' license or a DMV-issued non-driver photo ID

  • A current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document with the voter's name and address

Relevant Resources:


Immigrants and New Americans in New York State have certain legal rights and opportunities to vote, depending on citizenship status. 

  • U.S. Citizens: U.S. citizens, whether by birth or naturalization, have the full legal right to register and vote in all elections at the federal, state, and local levels in New York State.

  • Naturalized Citizens: Immigrants who have gone through the naturalization process and have become U.S. citizens are eligible to register to vote and participate in all elections in New York State.

  • Non-U.S. Citizens: Non-U.S. citizens, including documented immigrants (e.g., permanent residents or green card holders) and undocumented immigrants, are not eligible to vote in federal, state, or local elections.

The bottom line is that only current U.S. citizens are eligible to vote in elections, New York State Elections, and any municipal or county election within New York State.

Relevant Resources:

Individuals with disabilities in New York State have the right to vote without facing discrimination like any other eligible citizen. The right to vote is protected under various federal and state laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.


Individuals with disabilities have the right to register to vote if they meet the eligibility criteria, regardless of their disability. Voter registration forms should be accessible and available in alternative formats if needed. Individuals with disabilities can register and vote if they have a guardian, unless guardianship is accompanied by an order of incompetence from a judge. A person with a guardian can ask the court at any time to restore their right to vote, if it was taken away.


Polling places must be accessible to people with disabilities. Polling places must provide reasonable accommodations to ensure that individuals with disabilities can vote independently and privately. This may include accessible voting machines, accessible entrances, and assistance for those who need it. 


Voters with disabilities have the right to bring someone to assist them in casting their vote if they require assistance due to their disability. However, certain individuals, like employers or union agents, may not assist voters.


If you have a disability and have any issues registering to vote or voting due to a lack of accommodation, contact DRNY PAVA 1-800-993-8982.
Relevant Resources:

The vast majority of people who are currently incarcerated have the right to vote. Despite the fact that most persons detained in jail are eligible to vote, very few actually do.


Individuals only lose their right to vote while they are in prison for a felony conviction and while they are serving felony probation or parole. If someone is convicted of a felony and their sentence is suspended or they are released from incarceration, they regain the right to vote. People convicted of a felony need to re-register to vote upon completion of their prison sentence. 


All other convictions do not take away an individual’s right to vote. If someone is incarcerated due to a misdemeanor, a violation, or if someone is incarcerated awaiting trial and is unable to post bail they do not lose their right to vote in New York State. 



Additional Resources:

VOICE Buffalo, and many of its partners are 501(c)(3) nonpartisan, tax-exempt organizations. As a result, we do not participate in partisan political activity, and we do not support or endorse any political candidates or parties. 

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