Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation on Friday that allows voting by absentee ballot because of the Covid-19 pandemic through 2022.
The legislation continues to allow New Yorkers to request an absentee ballot during the pandemic when there is a risk of contracting or spreading disease that may cause illness to the voter or other members of the public. This legislation first became law in July 2020; the law expired on Dec. 31, 2021.
“No one should have to choose between exercising their right to vote and protecting their health and safety,” the governor said in a statement. “This legislation will ensure the pandemic does not create inaccessibility for voters during upcoming elections and help protect New Yorkers’ access to the ballot.”
In her 2022 State of the State address, the governor also put forth a number of proposals to strengthen voting protections, including a state-level voting rights act to protect against suppression, improve language access for voters, lower the voter registration deadline from 25 days before Election Day to 10, and require polling locations on college campuses.
More information on absentee voting and how to apply for an absentee ballot can be found at on.ny.gov/3fPpnlA.
