New York abstained when the Second Continental Congress adopted the United States Declaration of Independence. Its delegates had not yet received authorization from the New York Provincial Congress to vote for independence.
The other twelve colonial delegations voted in favor of the independence resolution on July 2, 1776. New York later received permission to agree, and its delegates joined the unanimous political position represented by the Declaration.
This abstention is sometimes overlooked because the Declaration is associated with all thirteen colonies. The document’s title refers to the “thirteen United States of America,” reflecting the colonies’ transformation into independent states.
New York’s later participation also explains why the initial congressional vote and the final signed document should not be treated as identical events. The Declaration was approved on July 4, while the parchment was signed primarily on August 2.