Voting Resources

NASW-NY ★ Voter Guide

General Election Day 2026

Make a plan to vote, know your options, and support candidates who reflect social work values.

Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Download the Election Day infographic (PNG)

1 When to Vote

Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2026

In New York, voters can cast a ballot in person on Election Day.

You may also have options to vote early or vote by mail. Check official deadlines and your local county board of elections for details.

2 How to Vote

1. Check your voter registration status.
2. Find your polling place or early voting site.
3. Review your ballot before you vote.
4. Vote in person, during early voting, or by mail if eligible.
5. Confirm local deadlines and hours with the official New York State Board of Elections or your county board.

Official NY voting info: New York State Board of Elections (elections.ny.gov)

3 How to Look Up Candidates and Your Ballot

See what's on your ballot (Vote411)
Look up a sample ballot (Ballotpedia)
Find your poll site and voter info (NYS Voter Lookup)
Read candidate websites and compare their positions.
Review trusted local news and voter guides.

4 What to Look For

Candidates who support:

Mental health access
Affordable health care
Strong schools and school social work
Fair wages and worker protections
Housing and community well-being
Equity, dignity, and support for vulnerable New Yorkers

5 Why Your Vote Matters

Voting helps shape the policies that affect our clients, our communities, and our profession. Social workers know that policy is practice. Your vote is one way to help build a more just New York.

How You Can Help Advance Social Work

Join NASW-NY PACE (Political Action for Candidate Election) to help identify candidates and advance social work through elections.

Learn about NASW-NY Advocacy Committees

Make your plan. Do your research. Vote.

Helpful voting resources: elections.ny.gov | voterlookup.elections.ny.gov | vote411.org

Voting Resources

Find everything you need to register, vote, and make your voice heard.

Find your Representative

Voting is Social Work

Talking to Your Legislator

Legislative Priorities for Social Work in New York

The Advocacy and Government Relations (AGR) Committee at NASW-NY determines our legislative priorities each year. Learn more about the AGR Committee and how you can get involved.

New York has long led progressive labor movements—and now must lead again by prioritizing the social work profession. Our legislative focus includes:

Increasing base pay for social workers who provide essential services across the state
Reducing student loan debt to attract and retain the next generation of social workers
Improving mental health services in schools by ensuring equitable social worker-to-student ratios

These goals are critical to supporting the health and wellbeing of communities throughout New York.

Related Position Papers and Reports

Additional Priorities Voted by the AGR Committee (as of April 24, 2025)

Please note: The AGR Committee has voted to include the following additional priorities for the NASW NY Chapter to advocate on:

Daniel's Law (S3670/A4617)
Read more about Daniel's Law
NY For All Act (S2235/A3506)
Read more about the NY For All Act
Oppose the SUPPORT Act (S6999/A780)
Read NASW NYS/NYC Memo of Opposition
Oppose the Empire State of Mind Bill (A2719B)
Read the bill

Letters of Support

Our legislative priorities are issues that impact and intersect with all social workers. Beyond these priorities, we participate in coalitions, partner with organizations, and provide direct comment and recommendations on a variety of issues and bills that align with the values of social work. The NASW-NYS and NYC Chapters are working in collaboration toward a unified New York Chapter.

2025 Letters of Support

Memo of Support: Right to Remain Silent Bill (A8923-A/S1099-A)
Memo of Opposition: SUPPORT Act
Memo of Support: Daniel's Law (S3670/A4697)
Memo of Support: Workplace Bullying Prevention Act (A3482/S1893)
Memo of Support: End Health Professional Complicity in Torture (S7865/A2826)
Memo of Support: Social Work Workforce Act (A701/S988)
Budget Letter: FY 2025–26 Veterans Mental Health Training Initiative
Memo of Support: Reforming Temporary Disability Insurance (A84/S172)

Take Action for Social Work Advocacy

Act Now campaigns empower social workers to influence policy by connecting directly with legislators through email, phone, or in-person meetings. These advocacy tools spotlight issues that affect our profession, clients, and communities at every level of government.

Each campaign features pre-written letters, reviewed by fellow social workers, making it easy to take quick, meaningful action. Personalize your message with your experience or research to make it even more impactful.

Browse our current Act Now campaigns and lend your voice. It only takes three minutes to stand up for social justice and strengthen our collective impact.