Bill > A08310

This bill amends early voting and absentee ballot provisions across multiple sections of New York election law, with a key focus on processing ballot applications. Specifically, if an applicant does not provide a required reason for requesting an absentee ballot, the application will automatically be processed as an application for an early mail ballot instead. The bill updates language across various election-related statutes for school districts, towns, and general elections to implement this change, modifying terminology like changing "absentee" or "early mail" references to simply "ballot" and using gender-neutral language like "their" instead of "his or her". The bill also introduces a definition of "election cycle" as a two-year period beginning on January 1st of an odd-numbered year and ending on December 31st of the subsequent even-numbered year, which affects how voters can request ballots for multiple elections. Additionally, the legislation standardizes application forms to indicate that incomplete absentee ballot applications will be converted to early mail ballot requests, ensuring voters are not disenfranchised by minor application errors. The bill is set to take effect one year after becoming law, allowing election boards time to update their processes and forms.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8310