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Galef, Carlucci Absentee Ballot Bill Signed Into Law

OSSINING, N.Y. -- A new law authored by Assemblywoman Sandy Galef and State Sen. David Carlucci makes absentee balloting easier for New Yorkers.

Assemblywoman Sandy Galef authored a bill to make it easier for people to vote absentee.

Assemblywoman Sandy Galef authored a bill to make it easier for people to vote absentee.

Photo Credit: Sam Barron
Sen. David Carlucci was a co-author on the bill.

Sen. David Carlucci was a co-author on the bill.

Photo Credit: Sam Barron

Gov. Andrew Cuomo recently signed the bill, aimed at making the process to get an absentee ballot easier. The legislation is designed to accommodate commuters, who would likely spend most of the day away from their county of residence, and people who are primary care providers or have a physical disability.

The focus of this legislation is to standardize the application process so that registered voters can cast a ballot without the lengthy process that presently exists for village, but not general and primary elections. This legislation amends the Village Election Law concerning the application and administration of absentee ballots to standardize the process so that voting in a village election would be identical to voting in other elections. 

Galef said it is important that the state make it easier for people to be able to vote.

"Absentee ballots can be intrusive," Galef said. "We're eliminating that. We want more people to vote. Our record for voting in New York and the country is not very good. We need to encourage more people to vote."

The assemblywoman has worked often with her colleague who represents Ossining.

"We've gotten a lot done," Galef said. "I enjoy working with him." 

Carlucci said it is not often possible for people to vote at the polls. 

"People work long hours, or fall ill, or go on vacation.  In those instances, or others, we want to make it as easy as possible," Carlucci said. "This bill leads to a simplification of the process to enable more people to be involved in the democratic process."

 

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