The state’s Attorney General and Assembly Speaker have proposed an early voting system for New York that they say can improve voter participation and democracy. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman teamed up to press for New York to join 32 other states and allow early voting. Speaker Silver says the state has a dismal record for voter participation, ranking near the lowest in the nation. He says reasons for the failure to vote range from disruption after last fall’s Superstorm Sandy, to conflicting work or school schedules. He says an extended period of time to vote could help fix that. “Our legislation would enable New Yorkers to cast their ballots on any day during a fifteen day period before a general election,” said Silver, who said primary voting would be extended to eight days.
The polls would be open form 8 am to 8 pm on weekdays and 9 to 5 on weekends.
Attorney General Eric Schneiderman supports the measure.
“As far as I’m concerned, any law or regulation or rule that makes it easier for eligible voters to register and vote is a good law or regulation or rule,” said Schneiderman, who called laws that hinder that “un-American”.
Some local officials have expressed concerns about additional costs if voting is extended, Silver says there would be fewer sites during extended voting, which should help hold down expenses.
Full Article: New York considers early voting system | NCPR News.