If you are a United States citizen 18 years or older by election day and a New York City resident for thirty days you may register to vote.

When you register you may choose a political party. This allows you to vote in the primary elections. Here you vote for a candidate to represent a political party in the general election. New York State recognizes seven political parties in the primary elections. They are: Democratic, Republican, Conservative, Independent, Liberal, Right to Life and Freedom.

• Register
• Vote
• How a Bill Becomes a Law in New York State

Register

• Board Of Elections - voter information: (212)VOTE-NYC
• League of Women Voters of New York City
• Call or write your borough Board of Elections for registration forms, absentee ballots and other information:
• Bronx 1780 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10457 (718)299-9017
• Brooklyn 345 Adams Street, Brooklyn NY 11201 (718)330-2250
• Manhattan 200 Varick Street, New York, NY 10014 (212)886-3800
• Queens 42-16 West Street, Long Island City, NY 11101 (718)392-8989
• Staten Island 1 Edgewater Plaza, Staten Island, NY 10305 (718)876-0079

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Vote
If you are a US citizen 18 years or older by election day, and a New York City resident for at least thirty days, you may vote. Seven political parties hold primary elections in New York State: Democratic, Republican, Conservative, Independence, Liberal, Right To Life and Freedom. Once registered, the Board of Elections issues each citizen a voter card.

How a Bill Becomes a Law in New York State

1. An Assembly member gets an idea for a bill from constituents based on local or statewide needs.
2. The Assembly member may sponsor this bill, drafting it in formal language. The bill is "introduced" in the Assembly, assigned a number and then printed.The study committee may hold public hearings and testimonials. It can kill a bill by not sending it back to the Senate or the Assembly.
3. A committee in the Assembly reviews the bill. If it gathers a majority support it is "reported to the Floor" (Assembly). If not, it "dies in committee."
4. When the bill requires funding it must additionally be approved by the Assembly Ways and Means Committee before it reaches the Floor for a final vote. This committee makes sure the state budget can afford the bill.
5. On the Floor of the Assembly, the bill's sponsor explains and defends it in debate. This can take place three days after the bill leaves committee. A vote on the bill is then taken and if it passes is sent to the Senate for approval.
6. When both Houses pass the bill, it goes to the Governor who can sign it or veto it. If the Governor vetoes a bill, it can still become law provided two-thirds majority in both Houses votes for it. This overrides the Governor's veto.

Throughout the making of bill into a law voters may contact their legislator and express their opinions. Citizens are encouraged to communicate with their legislator.

Find out how a bill becomes a law in other states - Contacting the Congress.

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