Election Hotline Helps New York Voters Election Day
The New York Attorney General's office operates a voter assistance hotline through the close of polls on Election Day.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Elections
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The New York Attorney General's office runs an Election Protection Hotline to help voters with problems at polling places, voting by mail or other voting concerns. Polls across New York are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Election Day, and the hotline operates until 9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Why it matters
Voters who encounter problems at polling sites or with mail-in ballots can seek direct assistance from attorneys and staff who review calls and written requests. Tuesday is also the last day for mailed ballots to be postmarked for the state's election.
Polls in New York are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Election Day, and the Election Protection Hotline operates until 9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3 and again from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received within seven days, though postmark timing may be delayed by changes in U.S. Postal Service practices.
The players
New York Attorney General's Office
The state's chief legal office, which operates the Election Protection Hotline and reviews voter complaints.
The details
The Election Protection Hotline, number 866-390-2992, has operated since November 2012 to help people experiencing problems at polling places or while voting by mail. Attorneys and staff review calls and written requests, and voters can also submit an online complaint at any time through a linked form. Voters in line before polls close must be allowed to vote.
Timeline
November 2012: The Election Protection Hotline began operating.
Tuesday, Nov. 3, 9 p.m.: Hotline and polls close on Election Day.
Wednesday, Nov. 4, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Hotline operates again.
Seasonal Patterns
Postal Service postmark changes mean a ballot mailed close to Election Day may receive a postmark the following day or later, which can affect whether it counts under New York's rules. The state's hotline gives voters a direct route to resolve such disputes before results are certified.
If you are in line when polls close at 9 p.m. Tuesday, you must be allowed to vote. If you mailed a ballot, confirm it is postmarked by Election Day, since later postmarks may not count.
The takeaway
Check your ballot's postmark timing and keep the hotline number handy through Wednesday. Calling early on Election Day gives state attorneys time to resolve issues before polls close.
Further reading
For background on voting rules and deadlines, see New York Elections coverage.
More information
Call the Election Protection Hotline at 866-390-2992 for help with voting problems.
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