New York expands access to absentee ballots, enacts other election reforms
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/new-york-elections-government/ny-cuomo-election-reform-law-absentee-ballots-20210716-zykyxupopje67hhxt3szs6uuwa-story.html%3foutputType=amp
New York expands access to absentee ballots, enacts other election reforms
By DENIS SLATTERY
NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
JUL 16, 2021
ALBANY —
New York is making it easier for voters to request absentee ballots and allowing mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day to be considered timely.
Gov. Cuomo signed a host of voting-related bills into law Friday that supporters say will expand and ease the use of absentee ballots in the Empire State by eliminating signed applications and allowing voters to request ballots via email.
The changes build on reforms enacted as the state saw a massive increase in the use of absentee ballots during the COVID crisis.
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This sweeping, comprehensive package of legislation will make it easier for voters, candidates and boards of elections to perform their critical functions and keep our democracy running,” Cuomo said in a statement. “Elections have enormous consequences for New Yorkers across the state, and these reforms will bolster their ability to use their voices at the ballot box.”
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The centerpiece of the package brings the last day a ballot can be postmarked into line with the deadline for hand-delivered ballots and allows absentee ballots to be requested by letter rather than a signed absentee ballot application.
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It also provides that federal write-in absentee ballots, military ballots, special presidential ballots and special federal ballots received after Election Day must contain a postmark, cancellation mark or witness dated Election Day or earlier.
*Another new law changes the deadlines for the mailing of absentee ballot applications, ensuring they’re in line with United States Postal Service guidelines for the timely delivery of mail.
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Mailed applications for absentee ballots must be received by an election board no later than 15 days before the day of an election
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