Groups Urge Governor to Sign Bills Expanding Absentee Voting (UPDATED)

August 19, 2020

The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo Governor of New York State
State Capitol Building
Albany, NY 12224

Re: Urging Governor Cuomo to immediately sign S8015D/A10833 and S8783A/A10807 into law.

Dear Governor Cuomo,

Boards of elections across the state have been dealing with immeasurable changes this year due to both Covid-19 and recent changes in state law. In order to effectively prepare for the November general election, county boards must have an understanding of what rules they are operating within which is why we ask you to immediately sign S8015D/A10833 and S8783A/A10807 into law. The sooner these bills are signed into law, the quicker preparation can begin to ensure that New Yorkers can request absentee ballots and boards throughout the state can begin to prepare for the November election.

S8015D/A10833 codifies the expansion of expanded absentee voting for the duration of the Covid-19 pandemic. This bill would allow any registered New Yorker to request an absentee ballot due to a risk of contracting or spreading a disease that may cause illness to the voter or to other members of the public. This is a necessary move as many New Yorkers are scared of in- person voting due to Covid-19.

S8783A/A10807 would temporarily allow absentee ballot applications to be submitted to boards of elections earlier than thirty days before the applicable Election Day. This will allow more lead time for county boards to begin to receive, process and plan for absentee voting.

Covid-19 has impacted our elections in countless ways and required voters, election administrators, and candidates to quickly adapt to the new situation. We are grateful for your leadership and response in this crisis and urge you to immediately sign S8015D/A10833 and S8783A/A10807.

Sincerely,

Citizens Union
Common Cause New York
League of Women Voters of New York State
NYPIRG
Reinvent Albany