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Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, there's been some uncertainty around how our democratic process will continue to function. We want shed some light on what's being considered here in New York, as well as what other states are doing to protect democracy. 1/
. @NYGovCuomo signed an Executive Order moving the presidential primary to June 23, along with state and federal primaries. This also moves special elections for Queens Borough President, City Council District 37, and Assembly District 31 to June 23. 2/ https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/28/politics/cuomo-new-york-presidential-primary/index.html
The NY State Legislature is also considering legislation that would impact how we conduct our elections throughout the pandemic. @SenatorBiaggi introduced a bill that allows for absentee voting due to a public health risk. 3/ https://www.nysenate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/alessandra-biaggi/senator-biaggi-introduces-bill-allow-voters-request
Additional legislation proposed by @zellnor4ny would allow voters to request an absentee ballot online. 4/ https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2019/s8130
And legislation proposed by @JenMetzgerNY would direct the State Board of Elections to create a plan to permit voting by mail in the event of a natural disaster or state of emergency. 5/ https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2019/s8120
We're also looking into what other states are doing. As of today, 15 states (including NY) and Puerto Rico have postponed their primary elections. 6/ https://www.nytimes.com/article/2020-campaign-primary-calendar-coronavirus.html
Wisconsin voters are headed to the polls today. Election officials are limiting the number of people in each poll site, providing hand sanitizer, and social distancing measures for voters and poll workers. 7/ https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/07/politics/wisconsin-primary-coronavirus/index.html
In Alaska, the @AlaskaDemocrats are making voter registration forms and printable ballots available to download on their website, with the intention of having voters mail them in. 8/ http://www.alaskademocrats.org/downloadable-ballot
In states like Rhode Island and Georgia, all registered voters will be mailed an absentee ballot application with a postage paid envelope. 9/ https://www.ajc.com/news/state--regional-govt--politics/voters-mailed-absentee-ballot-request-forms-for-may-georgia-primary/hc0FkOo85uVCALbWvQUo9L/
And states like Kansas, Hawaii, and Wyoming are mailing all registered Democrats in their states an absentee ballot for the presidential primary. 10/ https://www.kansas.com/news/coronavirus/article241276426.html
If you're looking for an even more in-depth look at ideas for adjusting the way we administer elections amid this crisis, @HelloCTCL has put together an extensive list on this topic. 11/ https://www.techandciviclife.org/covid-19-responses/
While this is an unprecedented crisis, it is not the first time our elections have faced adversity. After SuperStorm Sandy, our neighbors in New Jersey allowed displaced voters to apply for absentee ballots by e-mail or fax. 12/ https://www.cbsnews.com/news/nj-ny-make-more-voting-changes-due-to-sandy/
This is a difficult time for us all, and it's our duty to make sure up-to-date election info is one less thing you have to worry about.
sign up for our election alerts below, and keep an eye on this thread as we’ll be adding updates. 13/ http://www.voting.nyc/smart
sign up for our election alerts below, and keep an eye on this thread as we’ll be adding updates. 13/ http://www.voting.nyc/smart
