Long Island Election Calendar - Long Island Guide

Crowd gathered at a political rally during an election cycle, illustrating civic engagement and voter participation — A large public gathering during a political rally highlights voter engagement during an election cycle. Election activity on Long Island typically increases in the months leading up to primary and general elections, with campaigns, rallies, and public forums becoming more visible. These periods align with the broader election calendar that governs voting, early voting, and registration deadlines across New York State. File photo: Ron Adar, licensed.

When Elections, Early Voting, Deadlines & Civic Votes Typically Occur

Elections in the United States – including Long Island – follow a mix of statewide, federal, county, and local schedules. Understanding when elections occur, when you can vote early, and when key deadlines fall can help residents participate fully in civic life.

This guide breaks down the typical election calendar for Long Island, including statewide primary and general elections, local contests, early voting periods, voter registration deadlines, and school-related votes. It does not list every town election date, but it explains the regular patterns residents should be aware of.

Statewide & Federal Elections

In New York, major statewide and federal elections occur on a predictable annual cycle:

General Elections

Held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in even-numbered years – for example, November 3, 2026.
These include federal offices (U.S. House and Senate), statewide offices (Governor, Attorney General, etc.), and many county offices.

Primary Elections

Held earlier in the year to determine each party’s nominees for the general election.
For example, the 2026 statewide primary is scheduled for June 23, 2026.

These statewide and federal dates apply to Nassau and Suffolk counties alike.

Early Voting on Long Island

New York State provides early in-person voting for most elections, giving voters additional opportunities to cast a ballot before Election Day.

Early voting usually begins about nine days before Election Day and ends a few days prior to the election.
For example, for the 2026 general election, early voting is scheduled October 24 through November 1.

Early voting can take place at designated polling locations across Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Voter Registration & Absentee Ballot Deadlines

To participate in any election:

Residents must be registered to vote by the deadline set for each election cycle.
In general, registration deadlines for statewide elections fall roughly two to four weeks before Election Day.

Absentee and early mail ballot applications must be submitted by:

At least 10 days before an election to receive the ballot by mail, or
By the day before the election to pick up an absentee ballot in person.

Local, County & Special Elections

In addition to statewide and federal dates, Long Island voters may encounter:

County or Town Elections

County executive, county legislature, sheriff, and other county offices may be on the ballot.
For example, the Nassau County Executive election was held on November 4, 2025.

Special Elections

These occur as needed to fill unexpected vacancies and may happen on odd-numbered years with designated early voting periods.

Town or Village Elections

Smaller municipalities may set their own election schedules for local offices like supervisor or justice.

Because local election timing varies by municipality, residents should check their county Board of Elections website for specific dates.

School Budget Votes & Local Civic Votes

In New York State:

School district budget votes and Board of Education elections are generally held on the third Tuesday in May each year, unless moved for religious observances.
These are separate from statewide elections and do not always align with federal or state cycles.

Typical Long Island Election Cycle Summary

Here’s a simple pattern for most years:

Period	Typical Events
Early Spring (March–May)	School budget votes & local civic ballots (3rd Tuesday in May)
Late Spring/Early Summer (June)	Statewide primary elections (even-numbered years)
Fall (October–November)	General elections with early voting and Election Day (first Tuesday after first Monday in November)
Variable	Town/city elections, special elections as scheduled

How to Stay Informed

Because some local elections are on different schedules, Long Island voters should use official resources:

Nassau County Board of Elections – for county and town election details.
Suffolk County Board of Elections – for early voting centers and upcoming local elections.
New York State Board of Elections Political Calendars – official lists of deadlines and dates.

These sources provide complete political calendars, deadlines, and polling location information.

In Summary

Statewide general elections on Long Island occur in early November of even-numbered years.
Primary elections are typically held in June of even-numbered years.
Early voting begins about nine days before Election Day.
School budget votes are usually in May each year.
Local and special elections vary by municipality.

This election calendar overview helps Long Island residents understand when civic participation opportunities occur throughout the year.