This week, the New York State Assembly passed a bill supported by Assemblyman Thiele to extend the availability of absentee ballots to individuals at-risk of contracting COVID-19 until the end of 2022. As New York State continues its response to the global pandemic, it is essential for the State Legislature to continuously authorize measures that protect the health of the public without sacrificing the functions of democracy. 

 “No one should have to put their health at risk to cast a ballot,” said Assemblymember Fred Thiele. Ahead of the election year and with the COVID-19 still at hand, this bill will allow election officials to continue issuing absentee ballots due to the pandemic – a practice that was successful in the last two years. I thank Assemblymember Dinowitz for sponsoring the bill and look forward to its advancement in the Senate.”