Campaign 2020: New Yorkers Face Oct. 9 Deadline To Register For Nov. 3 Election
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Today is the deadline for New Yorkers to register to vote in the Nov. 3 election.
Registrations can be completed online, by mail or in-person.
For online registrations, voters must have a valid New York ID or drivers license.
To register by mail, voters can download an application or pick it up at a post office, library or government office.
For in-person registrations, voters must visit a Board of Elections office.
Campaign 2020: Tri-State Area Voter Guide For Nov. 3 General Election
Adina Beiner, who lost her license, went to the Board of Elections office in Lower Manhattan to register.
"I want to do my civic duty. I want to do my part and I want to vote," Beiner told CBS2's John Dias.
Many people are making last ditch efforts to register to vote, since Friday is the deadline in New York.
"It's a very important election, obviously, and I wouldn't miss it for the world," said Denise Tilley.
"It makes sense to register to vote," Lian Williams said.
"You realize how much value you have when an individual has a right to vote," said Michael Braycich, who thinks the right to vote should not be taken for granted.
"It's one of the most important elections, if not the most important election of all time," said Malcolm Cook, 18, who will be voting for the first time this year.
Mayor Bill de Blasio encourages New Yorkers to let their voices be heard.
"The deadline for registering to vote is right upon us now. So with everything else going on, if you have not registered to vote and you want to participate in this election, this Friday is your last chance," he said Thursday. "The bottom line is: Literately most important election of our lifetimes."
Statewide, almost 13 million New Yorkers are already registered to vote. Most are active voters, but nearly 1.3 million are considered inactive, meaning they aren't participating as much as they should.
"Democracy relies very heavily on participation and informed participation because it's an equation. What goes in on one side is what comes out on the other side," said Alain Sanders, a professor of political science at St. Peter's University.
Click here to check your voter registration status.
All New York Board of Elections offices have extended hours Friday - they're open until 9 p.m.
New Jersey's voter registration deadline is coming up on Oct. 13, and Connecticut's is Oct. 27.
In New York, early voting starts on Oct. 24.
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