Bill > A07641

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to expand the reasons for which a voter can cast an absentee ballot in New York State. Currently, voters can vote absentee if they will be absent from their county, unable to appear at the polling place due to illness, or physical disability. The proposed amendment would add "religious observance" as an additional qualifying reason for absentee voting. This means that voters who have religious commitments or observances that conflict with voting in person on election day would now be able to request an absentee ballot. The bill follows the standard process for constitutional amendments in New York, which requires the proposed change to be passed by the legislature, referred to the next legislative session after a general election, and published for three months before that election. If approved through this process, the amendment would permanently alter the state constitution to broaden absentee voting options for religious reasons.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7641