Elected officials and advocates are demanding that the Board of Elections make early voting easy for New Yorkers.
At a rally this week, Mayor Bill de Blasio urged the BOE to use $75 million dedicated in the Executive Budget to open 100 early voting sites, ensuring no New Yorker has to travel far to cast an early ballot this November.
Early voting requires the BOE to offer New Yorkers the opportunity to vote for nine days before Election Day. In addition to helping seniors, people with disabilities, parents and people who have a difficult work schedule, early voting can potentially help prevent long lines, confusion and broken ballot machines on Election Day, which New Yorkers experienced in the 2018 General Election.
State legislation requires the BOE to provide early voting at a minimum of 34 poll sites.