Political Endorsements

Nov. 8 general election update

Our statewide organization, New York State United Teachers (NYSUT), issued endorsements in general election races for state Legislature and recommended congressional candidates for endorsements by the union’s national affiliates, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and National Education Association (NEA).

These endorsements are informed by our UFT PAC’s recommendations and screenings.

• See the list of endorsed candidates for the general election »
• Check out NYSUT’s 2022 voter guide for more information on some of our key endorsed candidates and their pro-education and pro-labor positions.

This year’s election will feature one statewide ballot proposal for all voters statewide and for NYC voters, an additional three.

NYSUT recommends members vote YES on the statewide ballot proposal to approve the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act.

We did not issue recommendations on the three ballot proposals for NYC voters. Here are resources you can use to learn more about all four ballot initiatives:

• 2022 Statewide Ballot Proposal
• The 4 Ballot Questions Up for a Vote in New York in November (The City)
• Your guide to the four 2022 ballot measures in NYC (NY1)

Important election dates

Register to vote by Friday, Oct. 14

The deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 8 general election is Friday, Oct. 14. UFT members who have an ID issued by the state Department of Motor Vehicles can register to vote online by visiting the DMV Voter Registration website. If they wish to submit a written application, they can download the New York State Voter Registration Form and mail it to their county board of election address, which is found on the second page of the form. The paper form must be postmarked by Oct. 14 and received by the county board of election by Oct. 19.

Not sure if you’re registered to vote? Check your registration status » 

Voting by mail for the Tuesday, Nov. 8 general election

Due to the COVID pandemic, all registered voters in New York may vote by mail in the Nov. 8 general election if they prefer. You must request an absentee ballot by Monday, Oct. 24 at the NYC Absentee Voting website. Make sure that you check off “Temporary Illness” on the application as the reason for your request to vote by mail.

Early voting begins on Saturday, Oct. 29

The in-person early voting period for the Nov. 8 general election runs from Saturday, Oct. 29, to Sunday, Nov. 6. Members who live in New York City can use this tool to find their early voting and Election Day polling sites. Members who live in other parts of the state can use the Board of Elections' online portal to find their location for early voting and Election Day voting.