Voter guide · New York City

How to vote as an independent in New York City

New York runs closed primaries. If you're not enrolled in a party, you can't vote in that party's primary, but you can vote in every general election and in nonpartisan special elections. Here's how to make that vote count.

  1. Register, or check how you're enrolled

    You can register online, by mail or in person. To be an independent in New York, leave party enrollment blank. The "Independence" option is different: checking it enrolls you in a party, not as an independent.

    Check your registration ↗ Register to vote ↗

  2. Know what closed primaries mean for you

    Party primaries in New York are open only to that party's enrolled members. As an unaffiliated voter you skip primaries, but you vote in every general election and in nonpartisan special elections. If one primary matters to you, you can enroll in that party before the change-of-enrollment deadline and switch back afterward.

  3. Learn the ranked-choice ballot

    NYC uses ranked-choice voting in primaries and special elections for Mayor, Public Advocate, Comptroller, Borough President and City Council. You can rank up to five candidates. Ranking more candidates never hurts your first choice. General elections still use a single choice.

  4. Pick how you'll vote

    Vote in person on Election Day, during the early-voting period at your assigned early site, or by mail. New York lets any registered voter request an early mail ballot without giving a reason.

    Find your poll site ↗

  5. Read up before you go

    Look up who is on your ballot, compare where they stand, and check the official NYC voter guide. Use the candidate directory here to filter independents by the issues you care about.

    Official NYC voter guide ↗ Open the candidate directory →

Questions to ask any candidate

  • Will you support opening primaries to unaffiliated voters?
  • Who funds your campaign, and what share comes from small donors?
  • Name one issue where you've broken with a party position.
  • How will you stay reachable to constituents after the election?

Official sources

This guide is general information, not legal advice. The Alliance doesn't endorse parties.