New Yorkers looking to change their political party affiliation ahead of this year’s primary elections must do so by February 14, 2025. The deadline is crucial for voters who wish to participate in their chosen party’s nomination process.
The New York State Board of Elections has outlined specific deadlines for party enrollment changes. Voters using the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) online voter registration system must complete their party change by February 13 for it to be effective in this year’s primaries. Additionally, the Board of Elections’ Online Voter Registration Portal remains an option until February 14, the statutory deadline for receiving party enrollment changes from the DMV.
“February 14 is the statutory deadline for a Board of Elections to receive from the DMV a voter’s request to change their party enrollment for this year’s primaries. Therefore, any change of a party enrollment via this DMV site must be done by February 13 in order to be effective for this year’s primary elections. You may still hand-deliver a party enrollment change directly to your local Board of Elections on February 14,” stated the Board of Elections in the City of New York.
New York State recognizes four political parties for primary elections: Democratic, Republican, Conservative, and Working Families. Only voters registered with a party may vote to nominate that party’s candidate in the Primary Election. Voters who prefer not to enroll in a party can mark “I do not wish to enroll in a party” on the voter registration form.
Voter registration forms also allow individuals to change their party enrollment. A change of enrollment submitted by February 14 will take effect immediately. However, changes made on or after February 15 will be set aside and processed only seven days after the June Primary, meaning those voters will not be eligible to participate in this year’s primaries but can still vote in the general election in November.
For those seeking to change their party affiliation, the online voter registration portal and voter registration form remain viable options. “An application to change one’s party enrollment for the primary election in any year must be received by the Board of Elections no later than February 14th of that year,” states the New York State Board of Elections website.
With deadlines fast approaching, eligible voters are encouraged to act promptly to ensure their participation in the upcoming primary elections.
Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
