A collection of good government groups is calling on Gov. Andrew Cuomo to insert funding in his 2016-17 executive budget for two election reform proposals. The New York Voters Coalition said the state should provide $5 million to help counties implement early voting and an additional $2 million for the development of electronic poll books and ballot on demand systems. According to the group, which includes representatives from Common Cause/NY, League of Women Voters New York State and the New York Public Interest Research Group, the measures could boost voter turnout in New York. “We note that 2016 is a particularly appropriate year to fund much-needed election administration reforms, with important election contests at the presidential, gubernatorial, congressional level and legislative levels,” they wrote.
Cuomo first proposed an early voting program in his 2013 State of the State address. His plan called for allowing early voting for at least a week. The period would include the weekend before Election Day.
While Cuomo’s office said early voting would reduce long lines at the polls and ease the burden for county boards of election, the proposal didn’t advance in the state Legislature.
Full Article: NY reform groups say Cuomo should include funds for early voting in 2016 budget.