To be qualified to be a voter in New York State you must:
Be a U.S. Citizen
Be 18 years old by the date of the primary, general or other election (you may submit a registration as a 16 or 17 year old, and it will become active at 18)
Live at your present address at least 30 days before an election
Not be in jail or on parole for a felony conviction (unless pardoned or restored to the rights of citizenship by the governor)