Early Voting Opens in New York and New Jersey for 2026 General Election

Early voting for the 2026 general election got underway Saturday in both New York and New Jersey, with Election Day set for Tuesday, November 3. In New York City, polling sites opened at 9 a.m. Saturday and will remain available through Sunday, November 1.

The headline race in New York is the governor's contest, where Democratic incumbent Kathy Hochul faces Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. Also drawing significant attention is the 17th Congressional District, where Republican incumbent Mike Lawler is running against Democrat Cait Conley. That district covers Rockland and Putnam counties along with parts of Westchester County, and the race is considered a toss-up. In New Jersey, a closely watched contest in the 7th Congressional District has Republican incumbent Rep. Tom Kean Jr. facing Democrat Rebecca Bennett.

Saturday, October 24, was also the last day to register to vote in New York for the November election. Residents can sign up online, mail or submit a printed form, or call 1-800-FOR-VOTE to request an application. New Yorkers aged 16 and 17 may pre-register but must wait until age 18 to cast a ballot.

New Jersey's early voting runs on the same schedule as New York. Its polling locations keep more uniform hours — Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Election Day, New York polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.