As an expert in the field of elections, I have seen firsthand the confusion and questions surrounding absentee voting in New York. With the 2020 election quickly approaching and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant increase in requests for absentee ballots. This has led to many people wondering about the deadlines and procedures for requesting an absentee ballot in the state of New York.
Understanding Absentee Voting in New York
First and foremost, it's important to understand what absentee voting is and who is eligible to vote by absentee ballot in New York. Registered voters in the state have the option to vote by absentee ballot if they are unable to vote in person on Election Day.This includes individuals who are out of the county on Election Day, have a temporary or permanent illness or disability, or are the primary caregiver for someone who is ill or disabled. In the past, voters in New York had to provide a valid reason for requesting an absentee ballot. However, due to the pandemic, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order allowing all registered voters to request an absentee ballot for the 2020 election without providing a reason.
The Deadline to Request an Absentee Ballot in New York
The deadline to request an absentee ballot in New York is October 27th. This means that your request must be received by your local board of elections by this date. It's important to note that this is not a postmark deadline, so your request must be physically received by October 27th. If you are requesting an absentee ballot by mail, it's recommended that you do so as soon as possible to ensure it is received on time.You can also request an absentee ballot in person at your local board of elections until November 2nd, the day before Election Day. It's important to note that if you are requesting an absentee ballot due to illness or disability, you can request it up until Election Day. However, if you are requesting an absentee ballot for any other reason, your request must be received by October 27th.
How to Request an Absentee Ballot in New York
There are several ways to request an absentee ballot in New York:- Online: You can request an absentee ballot online through the New York State Board of Elections website. This option is only available for registered voters with a New York State driver's license, learner's permit, or non-driver ID.
- By Mail: You can download and print an absentee ballot application from the New York State Board of Elections website and mail it to your local board of elections.
- In Person: You can request an absentee ballot in person at your local board of elections office.
Important Dates for the 2020 Election in New York
In addition to the deadline for requesting an absentee ballot, there are several other important dates to keep in mind for the 2020 election in New York:- October 9th: Last day to register to vote in person or by mail.
- October 14th: Early voting begins in New York.
- October 27th: Deadline to request an absentee ballot.
- November 2nd: Last day to request an absentee ballot in person.
- November 3rd: Election Day.
The Importance of Voting
With the upcoming election being one of the most highly anticipated and contentious in recent history, it's more important than ever to exercise your right to vote.By requesting an absentee ballot, you can ensure that your voice is heard, even if you are unable to vote in person on Election Day. Remember, the deadline to request an absentee ballot in New York is October 27th. Don't wait until the last minute to request yours. Take advantage of the various options available and make your voice heard in this year's election.
