UTICA — Mohawk Valley residents have nine days to vote in person before Election Day this fall. Early voting for New York’s 2026 general election, including the Mohawk Valley early voting 2026, begins Saturday, October 24, and ends Sunday, November 1. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, when polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For people balancing work, caregiving, school and transportation, the early voting period offers a chance to choose a day that fits their schedule. The most useful preparation is simple: confirm your registration, select an approved location in your county and check that day’s hours before leaving home.

The Mohawk Valley early voting 2026 period is designed to accommodate residents’ busy schedules.

This nonpartisan guide brings together official election information for Oneida, Madison and Herkimer counties. County election boards remain the best source for changes, individual registration questions and ballot information.

Start with the October 24 registration deadline

The New York State Board of Elections says voter registration applications must be received by a board of elections no later than October 24 to qualify for the general election. Do not confuse a receipt deadline with a mailing deadline. Sending a paper application on the final day can leave too little time for delivery.

Residents can check their status through the state’s voter lookup tool. If a name, address or registration record needs attention, contact the county board promptly rather than waiting until the voting period begins.

The state offers an online registration process, as well as paper forms and in-person registration options. Paper forms need a handwritten signature. Online applications go to the appropriate county board for processing.

For a household helping a first-time voter, set aside enough time to read the instructions together. Check each field before submitting the application, and keep any confirmation provided. A reminder on a phone or kitchen calendar can help prevent the deadline from becoming an afterthought.

Oneida County: Four places to vote early

Oneida County’s official 2026 early voting notice lists these locations:

• Utica: Mohawk Valley Community College, Alumni College Center, Room 116, 1101 Sherman Drive.
• New Hartford: New Hartford Town Office, 8635 Clinton Street.
• Rome: South Rome Senior Center, 112 Ridge Street.
• Whitesboro: Whitestown Town Offices, 8539 Clark Mills Road.

Registered Oneida County voters may choose among the county’s four early voting sites. These are early voting locations; your assigned November 3 polling place may be different.

The county board can be reached at 315-798-5765. Its office is at Union Station, 321 Main Street, third floor, Utica. The official election information page includes the early voting notice.

Madison County: Early voting in Oneida

Madison County’s early voting site is St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 551 Sayles Street, Oneida. The city’s name can cause confusion: this is the Madison County site, not an additional location for Oneida County voters.

On October 24, 25, 26, 28, 30 and 31, and November 1, the Madison County site is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Tuesday, October 27, and Thursday, October 29, it is open from noon to 8 p.m.

Notice the weekday difference: Madison County opens at 9 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, while Oneida County opens at 10 a.m. on those days. Someone sharing this guide with relatives in another county should point out that the schedules are not identical.

Use Madison County’s official general election page to check the schedule again before traveling.

Herkimer County: Check the Little Falls schedule

Herkimer County’s official early voting announcement identifies Holy Family Parish, 637 John Street, Little Falls, as its site. The county announcement lists 9 a.m.–5 p.m. for October 24, 25 and 26, noon–8 p.m. for October 27 and 28, and 9 a.m.–5 p.m. for October 29.

Because the full nine-day schedule could not be retrieved reliably during this guide’s preparation, readers should consult the county’s early voting announcement or Board of Elections for the remaining dates and any updates. Do not assume Herkimer follows the Oneida or Madison schedule.

Make a plan before heading to the polls

Choose a primary day and a backup day. If you depend on a ride, discuss the pickup time and return trip in advance. Save the address and opening hours together so that a calendar reminder contains everything needed to get out the door.

Review the sample ballot for your own address. Ballots can differ by district, so a neighbor’s ballot or a social media photograph may not show every contest you will see. Write down questions while reviewing it and use official election-board information to resolve them.

Oneida County has also announced a two-sheet ballot for this election. The Utica Phoenix previously covered its “Check Both. Vote Both. Submit Both.” voter information initiative. Take time to examine both sheets and follow poll workers’ instructions when submitting them.

At the polling place, ask a worker for help if instructions are unclear. Do not guess about a ballot problem or leave without asking how to correct it. If you need accessible voting assistance, contact your county board ahead of your visit to discuss the available arrangements.

Early voting counts, and mail voters should check their options

The state explains that early voters privately mark and scan their ballots, as they do on Election Day. Their votes are included in the unofficial election-night totals. Early voting is a way to cast your vote before November 3, not a separate election.

If you already requested a mail ballot, check the state’s ballot guidance or ask your county board before switching to an in-person plan. Explain whether you requested, received or returned the ballot so staff can give advice for your situation.

For voters choosing November 3, verify your assigned Election Day site through the state lookup tool. The practical goal is to make one clear plan, use current official information and leave yourself time to resolve questions before the final deadline.

Sources: New York State Board of Elections; Oneida, Madison and Herkimer county election boards. Locations and schedules checked October 12, 2026.