Assemblymember Charles D. Lavine (D-Glen Cove) announced that his bill (A9608B) to establish early voting rights to eligible New York residents has passed the Assembly.

The legislation offers New Yorkers the opportunity to cast their votes in person for a seven day period prior to a primary, general or special election. Early voting would begin on Monday one week prior to an election through the following Sunday.

Counties will be required to determine how many polling places will be available based on its population. County boards will select voting locations in places that will maximize accessibility for those wishing to vote early.

Polling locations will be required to open for eight hours on weekdays and five hours on the weekends and holidays and include two weeknights. Specific hours between 7am and 8pm would be set at the discretion of each county boards of elections.

Americans with Disabilities Act requirements will assure accessibility at all early voting sites and State Board of Election regulations will require one ballot marking device.

“Our democratic process is dependent on our ability to ensure that New Yorkers are able to exercise their fundamental right to vote.” said Lavine. “Early voting will help make the process simply more convenient.”

New York is currently one of only 13 states that don’t have early voting.1 “Voting is a right not a privilege.” Lavine continued.

Assemblyman Lavine serves as Chairman of the Election Law Committee in the Assembly.

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1. ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/absentee-and-early-voting.aspx