“Voting is the foundation of the democratic process, and the Assembly will always protect the right for every New Yorker to have their voice heard. As we faced this pandemic, it became clear that we need additional measures in place so that elections are not disrupted by public health emergencies, as well as to eliminate barriers to voting. While some states across the country are trying to restrict voting access for political gain, New York is moving forward to support this constitutional right.

This week, the Assembly passed two measures to simplify the absentee voting process. One bill would allow voters to electronically request an absentee ballot – eliminating the requirement for an in-person signature (A.6046). A second measure would temporarily eliminate the need to request an absentee ballot via signed application, allow voters to request a ballot by signed letter and require mail ballots postmarked through Election Day to be counted (A.6047-A). We also advanced two constitutional amendments that will appear on the ballot this November, including waiving the requirement that New Yorkers register to vote at least 10 days before an election and allowing voters to request an absentee ballot without a declared reason (A.502, A.4431).

Voting is a fundamental right that is continuously being attacked across the country. We continue to read in the news that some states are putting laws on the books that make it harder to vote – impacting certain groups disproportionately – with clear legislative intent. To protect the democratic process in our state, the Assembly will continue fighting to ensure all New Yorkers can exercise their right to vote without facing unnecessary hurdles.”