Signed by Governor Andrew Cuomo

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends a statute's definition of an absentee voter to include those who cannot vote because of the risk of spreading or contracting an illness on the day of an election.

Highlights:

• Authorizes a qualified voter to vote as an absentee voter under this act if they meet the following conditions (Sec. 1):

• Is absent from the country or their residence;

• Is unable to appear at the polling place because of illness or physical disability, or duties related to the primary care of one or more individuals who are ill or physically diabled, or a patient in a hospital;

• An inmate or patient of a veteran’s administration hospital; or

• Absent from their voting residence because they are detained in jail.

• Defines “illness” to include but not be limited to instances where a voter is unable to appear personally at the polling place of the school district in which they are a qualified voter because there is a risk of contracting or spreading a disease that may cause illness to the voter or to other members of the public (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text