Election Day 2026 guide: What to know about NY, NJ and CT elections

Here is everything you need to know to exercise your right to vote.

On Tuesday, Nov. 3rd, voters across the country will head to the polls to decide on some important offices and issues in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

Each voter will cast ballots in various races, including those for governor of New York and for the U.S. House of Representatives.

While there is still time to consider electoral decisions, it is important that you are aware of the relevant dates, the requirements for casting your vote, and who the candidates are.

When are midterm elections?

Midterm elections will take place next Tuesday, November 3rd.

What time will the polls open in NY, NY, and CT?

New York: 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

New Jersey: 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Connecticut: 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Key details for voting in New York

How can I find my polling location?

New York City: If you are located in one of the 5 boroughs, you can find your location here.

For the rest of the state, information can be found here.

What are the requirements to vote in New York?

You can register to vote if you meet the following criteria

• You are a U.S. citizen.
• You have resided in New York City for at least 30 days.
• You are a U.S. citizen. You have resided in New York City for at least 30 days.
• You are at least 16 years old. ( You may pre-register to vote at age 16 or 17, but you must be 18 years old to be eligible to vote).

To see if you are registered to vote check here.

What are the voting categories

Governor/Vice Governor

Kathy Hochul (Democrat)

Bruce Blakeman (Republican)

State Comptroller

Tom Dinapoli (Democrat)

Joseph Hernández (Republican)

Attorney General

Letita James (Democrat)

Saritha Komatireddy (Republican)

Representative to congress

Among these are:

District 13:

Darializa Avila Chevalier (Democrat/Working Families Party)

Manual Williams (Republican)

District 14:

Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (Democrat/Working Families Party)

Diamant Hysenaj (Republican/Conservative Party)

State Senator

Member of the Assembly

Member of the City Council (District 3)

Supreme Court Justice

Civil Court Judge

Surrogate’s Court

New Yorkers will also vote on ballot proposals.

Which ballot proposals will you be voting on?

Question 1: Proposed Charter Amendment: expediting the process for granting revocable consents to use public spaces.

Simplify the process for using public spaces for purposes such as ramps and outdoor dining; eliminate mandatory hearings and requirement for city council approval for outdoor dining, while still maintaining input from the community and the City Council.

Question 2: Proposed Charter Amendment: Reducing documentation for city contractors; requiring regular meetings of the Procurement Policy Board.

Reduce documentation for city contractors by authorizing the Procurement Policy Board to simplify the contractor questionnaire. Require quarterly meetings of the Procurement Policy Board. Eliminate the mandatory hearing for mandated reports on customer services.

Question 3: Proposed Charter Amendment Expediting road safety projects, the disposal of unused city property, and office space leasing.

Simplify the review of road safety projects to shorten construction timelines. Expedite the disposal of unused city property, subject to approval by the City Planning Commission. Expedite the leasing for office space for city employees.

Question 4: Proposed Charter Amendment: Simplifying building permits and transferring the issuance of waterfront permits to the Department of Buildings.

Create a centralized construction permitting system to streamline the permitting process. Transfer the authority to issue waterfront permits from the department of Small Business Services to the Department of Buildings. Allow for the approval of construction projects by additional officials within the Building Department.

Question 5: Proposed Bylaw Amendment: Establish contribution targets for the emergency reserve fund to ensure sufficient budgetary reserves. Set a target amount to be maintained in reserve funds, including an emergency reserve fund to address unforeseen financial difficulties, in future years, and mandate the development of a methodology for calculating these contributions.

Where can I submit complaints if something happens on Election Day?

If you have any complaints on Election Day, you can submit them through this website. You can also call the attorney generals office at 1-866-390-2992.

Where can I find more information?

For New York City, go here.

For the entire state of New York, go here.

Key points about voting in New Jersey

How do I know what my polling location is?

Find your polling location here.

What do I need to vote?

Find voter requirements here.

To register in New Jersey, you must:

• Be a United States citizen.
• Be at least 17 years old (though you cannot vote until you turn 18).
• Be a resident of the county for 30 days prior to election.
• Not be currently serving a sentence of incarceration resulting from a conviction for an indictable offense under the laws of this state, another state, or the United States.

What races are being voted on in New Jersey?

New Jersey will decide who will represent them in the United States House of Representatives.

These include the following:

Congressional Representatives for District 7:

Thomas Kean Jr. (R)

Rebecca Bennett (D)

Congressional Representatives for District 9:

Nellie Pou (D)

Rosemary Pino (R)

Congressional Representatives for District 11:

Analila Mejia (D)

Joe Hathaway (R)

Where can I submit complaints if something happens on Election Day?

Anyone who has questions about the voting process, believes their right to vote has been interfered with, or wishes to report other issues or concerns related to voting, may call the state’s voter information and assistance hotline, toll-free, at 1-877-NJ-VOTER (1-877-658-6837). Your information may be shared with your county Board of Elections or state authorities to address your complaint, if necessary.

If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination or harassment while exercising your right to vote, you may file a complaint with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights through the "NJ BIAS" online portal, available at https://bias.njcivilrights.gov, or by calling 1-833-NJDCR4U (1-833-653-2748). 

Key points about voting in Connecticut

How do I find out where my polling location is?

You can visit this website.

What do I need to vote?

• You are at least 17 years old and will turn 18 on or before Election Day.
• You are a United States citizen and a resident of Connecticut.

What races are being held?

Governor:

Ned Lamont (D)

Ryan Fazio (R)

Attorney General:

William Tong (D)

John Bolton (R)

Secretary of State:

Stephanie Thomas (D)

Peter Lumaj (R)

State Comptroller:

Sean Scanlon (D)

Jennifer Tooker (R)

State Treasurer:

Erick Russell (D)

Fred Wilms (R)

U.S. House of Representatives, District 1:

Luke Bronin (D)

Amy Chai (R)

Mary Sanders (Green Party)

U.S. House of Representatives, District 2:

Joe Courtney (D)

George Austin (R)

U.S. House of Representatives, District 3:

Rosa DeLauro (D)

Chris Lancia (R)

Thomas Egan (Independent)

U.S. House of Representatives, District 5:

Jahana Hayes (D)

Chris Shea (R)

Voters will also find other state and local contests on their ballots, depending on where they reside.

How can voting problems be reported in Connecticut?

If voters encounter any issues at polling locations on Election Day, they are asked to contact the Election Day assistance line by calling 1-866-733-2463 or by sending an email to [email protected].