Your Vote, Your Power - Callen-Lorde

Your Vote, Your Power

New York State’s 2026 primary elections are Tuesday, June 23. Early voting is open from Saturday, June 13 to Sunday, June 21. Use the following resources to prepare for Election Day and make a plan to vote!

Note: As a 501(c)(3) organization, Callen-Lorde does not endorse candidates or engage in partisan political activities.

Click above to find your polling place for early voting or Election Day. Note location, hours, and mark your calendar!

Click above to learn about your local races and research your candidates before heading to the polls.

 

Know Your Voting Rights

  • In New York State, you should not need to show ID when voting in-person
    • However, if your identity was unable to be verified by the Board of Elections, or if you are voting for the first time, you may be asked to show ID
    • Make sure the name and address on your voter registration matches the name and address on your ID
  • It is not required by law for your gender identity or presentation to match your name, photo or gender marker on your ID

Need support at the polls? Contact the Election Protection Hotline! Text or call (866) OUR-VOTE. 

Other resources:

 

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Election Day for the primaries?

Tuesday, June 23. New York State polls are open from 6 AM to 9 PM.

 

When is the early voting period for the primaries?

Early voting in New York State starts on June 13 and continues through June 21.

Click here to find your early voting polling location and hours.

 

Do I need an ID to vote in-person?

Registering to Vote: Yes, you will need ID if registering to vote for the first time. When registering to vote for the first time, you must provide your driver’s license number or state ID card number if you have one. 

  • If you do not have either of these IDs, you can use the last 4 digits of your Social Security number (SSN)
  • If you do not have a SSN, then leave that space blank on your registration form
  • If you don’t provide any of these, you will have to show an accepted form of ID the first time you vote

Voting In-Person: 

  • In New York State, you should not need to show ID when voting in-person
    • However, if your identity was unable to be verified by the Board of Elections, or if you are voting for the first time, you may be asked to show ID
    • Make sure the name and address on your voter registration matches the name and address on your ID
  • It is not required by law for your gender identity or presentation to match your name, photo or gender marker on your ID

Click here to learn more.

 

What is the difference between a mail-in-ballot and an absentee ballot?

New York State may require that you provide a reason to vote early by mail or to vote absentee. Applications to vote early by mail or for an absentee ballot are due no later than ten days before the election.

 

 

Get Out the Vote!

Looking to continue your advocacy? Join Callen-Lorde’s Care with Action program here! By signing up, you’ll become part of a movement dedicated to advancing LGBTQ+ health and ensuring your action counts for our community’s future.