POLITICS

Primary election 2024: candidates, key dates in Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, NY

Alexandra Rivera Phil Strum Ashley Catherine Fontones
Rockland/Westchester Journal News

Voters in Rockland, Westchester and Putnam counties will head to the polls Tuesday, June 25, to vote in this year's primary election.

Democrats and Republicans will decide who will be on the ballots in races such as the contest for the 16th Congressional District, U.S. Senate, State Senate and State Assembly.

What do I need to know about the Democratic primary election between Jamaal Bowman and George Latimer?

The Democratic primary race in New York's 16th Congressional district features incumbent two-term Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-Yonkers) taking on George Latimer (D-Rye), who is currently in his second term as the Westchester County Executive. The winner advances to November's general election.

Check out previous coverage on this race:

Westcester County Executive George Latimer, candidate for New York's 16th Congressional District, is interviewed by journalists at the The Journal News / lohud offices in West Harrison May 23, 2024.
Congressman Jamaal Bowman, candidate for New York's 16th Congressional District, is interviewed by journalists at the The Journal News / lohud offices in West Harrison May 24, 2024.

What do I need to know about the Westchester DA Democratic primary?

Westchester DA Mimi Rocah announced late last year she would not be running for re-election, which led a trio of Democrats to declare their candidacy for the spot: Longtime county court judge Susan Cacace, who the Democratic party named as their preferred candidate at their convention, William Wagstaff III, a civil rights lawyer, and Adeel Mirza, former Westchester prosecutor.

The winner would advance to November's general election.

Lower Hudson Valley voters: Here's what you need to know

Learn how to check or update your voter registration, find out who is on your ballot and more.

Primary election info for Rockland, Westchester and Putnam

Polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 9 p.m.

Early voting lasts from June 15 through June 23. Click here to see where you can vote early in person.

Absentee ballots are also available and must be requested by June 15.

In New York State, only those registered to a particular political party can vote in the party's primary.

What's on the ballot?

This year, voters will decide party nominees for the following:

  • 16th Congressional District
  • Westchester County District Attorney
  • U.S. Senate
  • State Senate
  • State Assembly
  • Local judges

Important dates and deadlines

Saturday, June 15, is the last day for new voters to register for this year's primary election. Monday, June 10, is the last day for residents to report a change in address to the New York State Board of Elections.

Early in-person voting begins June 15 and ends June 23.

June 15 is the last day to mail requests for absentee ballots, and June 24 is the last day to apply in-person at your board of elections for absentee ballots. Absentee ballots must be mailed and postmarked by June 25. They will be received until July 2.

June 25 is Primary Election Day.

Can I vote by absentee ballot?

New York state allows residents who travel like college students and military servicemembers, or seniors who have medical conditions to vote by absentee ballot. NYS Board of Elections says that in order to request an absentee ballot, you must be:

  • Absent from your county on Election Day.
  • Unable to appear at the polls due to temporary or permanent illness or disability.
  • Unable to appear because you are the primary care giver of one or more people who are ill or physically disabled.
  • A resident or patient of a Veterans Health Administration Hospital.
  • In jail or prison for any reason other than a felony conviction. This includes anyone who is awaiting grand jury action, awaiting trial, or serving a sentence for a misdemeanor. Again, residents are not allowed to vote if they are in jail for a felony.

What are the requirements for voting?

Voting registration can be found on the NYS Board of Elections website, at your county board of elections, or at your local Department of Motor Vehicles. In order to vote, you must:

  • be a citizen of the United States
  • be at least 18 years old
  • live in the state, county, city or village for at least 30 days before the election
  • not be in prison for a felony

Where can I find my polling place?

You can reach out to your county board of elections office, or visit their website to learn how to find your polling place.