Legislation has passed in the Assembly that would allow early voting in all general, primary and special elections in New York. The bill (A.689-a) would establish a 15-day early voting period for general elections and an eight-day early voting period for primary and special elections. “It is long past time for New York to join the ranks of 32 other states and the District of Columbia who offer the ease and convenience of early voting,” said Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, D-Manhattan.
“This is a common sense, time-tested approach that will include more qualified voters in our electoral process. All New Yorkers, regardless of personal or professional time commitments, should be able to vote in each and every election.”
According to the Speaker’s Office, New York’s voter turnout in November 2012 was among the lowest in the nation. The U.S. Census Bureau has indicated 33 percent of registered non-voters are unable to cast a ballot due to issues such as scheduling conflicts or an illness.
Full Article: Assembly passes early voting bill.