TOPLINE
New York is the latest state to make voting rights more accessible to residents during the presidential election this November, as the coronavirus pandemic continues, as Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a three-part bundle of election reforms aimed at the process of casting absentee ballots.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed legislation, which he says will “break down barriers to more … [+]
KEY FACTS
According to a statement from the governor’s office, part of the legislation will allow voters to request an absent vote “because of risk of illness for themselves or others”, an extension of permitted reasons to ask for one.
Another will extend the amount of time voters have to apply for absentee ballots; an earlier restriction meant that voters could only request a ballot 30 days before the election, according to the statement – by signing this legislation, New Yorkers can immediately request an absent vote.
Because controversy over alleged delays reported to the U.S. Postal Service arises from the new proposed cost-cutting measures by Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, the statement says the new legislation will “ensure voters’ confidence in it” time to get a vote and be able to vote. “
The third provision will allow ballot papers to be counted at the election on November 3, election day, as well as allow a vote with a timestamp proving that it was received on November 4, but does not have a dated postmark, to count, according to the statement.
According to NY1, which reported on Wednesday that Cuomo would sign the items in the law, the legislation is similar to the changes imposed by Cuomo’s executive order for the primary state in June – but this time, voters must vote request and will not be sent an application form automatically.
Crucial quote
“The federal administration has ordered an unusual attack on the US Postal Service and with Covid-19 threatening our ability to have secure, personal votes, these measures are critical to ensuring a successful and fair election on one of the most important moments in the history of our nation, “Governor Cuomo said in a statement on Wednesday.” These actions will further break down barriers to democracy and make it easier for all New Yorkers to exercise their right to vote this November. ”
Key background
New York is joining other states that are choosing to pursue an expansion of the vote by mail in the face of the deadly pandemic. On Friday, Gov. Phil Murphy of New Jersey said every voter would get a vote by mail for the upcoming election. The increase in Americans planning to send their vote by mail comes amid reports of delays, deleted mailboxes and sorting machines at the USPS, which accused Democrats of being part of a plot in part by DeJoy to to “sabotage” upcoming elections in favor of President Donald Trump, for whom DeJoy once funded. On Tuesday, DeJoy said he would wait for further planned measures for the USPS until after election day “to prevent even the appearance of any influence on polling station.”
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