New York primary and general election dates set for 2025

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — Voters who want to switch parties in time for the upcoming June 24 primary election in New York have to act fast to participate. The deadline for changing political party registration is February 14.

New York is a closed primary state, meaning that only voters registered with a political party can participate in that party’s primary. Democrats can't vote in the Republican primary, and vice versa. Independent or unaffiliated are completely disenfranchised in New York's primaries.

For new residents or New Yorkers turning 18, the deadline to register to vote is more forgiving: June 14. New Yorkers can register in person at local election offices or online. Early voting for the primary runs from June 14 to 22, with Primary Day itself on June 24.

Unlike in the party primaries, party enrollment doesn't matter as much in the general election. But the rest of the general election timeline does follow similar timing. Mail-in registration applications need processing by June 14 for the primary and October 25 for the general election. Voter registration for the November 4 general closes on October 25. Early voting for the general election runs from October 25 to November 2.

Candidates and party officials face their own set of deadlines. For the coming primary, state and county party chairs have until February 11 to file a statement of party position. And for the general, local officials have until March 17 to designate official polling places. Party nominations, petition filings, and ballot certifications follow a complex schedule through August, with final ballot preparations in September.

Voters should check with their local board of election for the most current information and specific local requirements. Dates would be subject to change should the legislature make alterations.

Setting aside the scheduling of a likely special election for Elise Stefanik's seat in New York's 21st Congressional District, few elections are underway in New York in 2025. But the two largest cities and the capital—New York City, Buffalo, and Albany—are all holding mayoral races. Albany and NYC are also holding city council elections, and Erie County will be voting on comptroller, sheriff, legislature, judges, and school boards.

State election officials conduct canvassing and auditing after each election. The primary results will be reviewed July 7, while general election results get final certification by December 15.