Can New Yorkers vote without showing ID at the polls? Yes.
The rumor is True
“New Yorkers can vote without showing ID.”
The fact
Most registered voters in New York do not have to show ID at the polls.
The one exception is a voter whose ID could not be verified at registration, who may be asked for a photo ID or a bill, bank statement or government document with their name and address; without it, they can still vote by affidavit ballot. New York's Attorney General says the state never requires photo ID to vote. Posts attacking an Oct. 26 voting video from Mayor Mamdani call this false, but it matches state law.
What to do
Most voters need nothing. First-time voters who did not give a driver's license number, non-driver ID number or the last four of their Social Security number when registering should bring a photo ID or a current bill or bank statement. No ID? Ask for an affidavit ballot. Help: 1-866-VOTE-NYC.
How this story developed
- Mayor Mamdani posts a voting video for New Yorkers. Critics clip a line about what voters need to bring and say he told voters ID is not needed.
- New York's Attorney General issues voter guidance saying the state never requires photo ID to vote, though some first-time voters may be asked to confirm name and address.