Cuomo Signs Executive Order to Ensure New Yorker's Right to Vote

On August 20, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo issued an executive order that makes it easier for New Yorkers to vote and be counted in the November elections.

The order requires county boards of elections to take concrete steps to inform voters of upcoming deadlines, to be prepared for elections, and help ensure the use of absentee ballots.

"This election is going to be one of the most critical in modern history. It will be controversial. You already hear the statements questioning the vote, and the accuracy of the vote, and mail-in ballots. We want to make sure that every vote is counted; every voice is heard and that it's fair and right and accurate," Governor Cuomo said. "I'm issuing today's executive order because we want boards of elections to count votes efficiently, and we want them to get it right, but we want it done in a timely manner. We don't want to hear after-the-fact excuses."

The executive order requires county boards of elections to take the following actions:

Mail an outline of all deadlines for voters by Tuesday, September 8.

Send staffing plans and needs to the New York State Board of Elections by September 20 so they can assist in ensuring coverage.

Adopt a uniform clarified envelope for absentee ballots and require counties to use it.

Count votes faster by requiring all objections made by the county board to be in real-time, making sure that boards are ready to count votes and reconciling affidavit and absentee ballots by 48 hours after elections.

Provide an option for New Yorkers to vote absentee in all district elections.

(Kevin P. Coughlin / Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo)