New York – The New York City Board of Elections created a portal to request absentee ballots online on Friday, August 21. This was pursuant to Gov. Cuomo’s legislation that ensures that every New Yorker can safely vote in November amid the COVID-19 pandemic and guarantees that every vote will be counted.
In a press statement, Cuomo said that registered voters who live in the five boroughs can now request an absentee ballot if they are concerned about COVID; the State Board of Elections will soon be able to offer the same digital service to all New York voters.
“As we prepare for the upcoming 2020 election, it is critical we protect the most fundamental cornerstone of our democracy—the right to vote. Today, I signed legislation that ensures every registered New Yorker has options on how to vote in November in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” said Cuomo in a press statement.
The legislation which was signed into law on Thursday, August 20, also takes steps to ensure that every vote is counted.
All registered voters can request an absentee ballot if they are concerned about COVID. All Boards of Elections in New York State must count:
- All ballots postmarked on or before Election Day (November 3rd) and received within seven days after Election Day.
- All ballots without a postmark received on November 4th (the day after Election Day).
These measures, said Cuomo, are critical to a full and fair election at one of the most important moments in our nation’s history. We are removing barriers to democracy and will make it easier for all New Yorkers to exercise their right to vote this November.
You can vote early in-person, you can vote on Election Day or you can vote using an absentee ballot. Whatever you do, don’t miss your chance to make your voice heard, the office of the Governor said.# (Press Release from the office of Gov. Andrew Cuomo; Featured photo by Leani M. Auxilio)
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