Jacobson bill urges voting by mail

Posted 4/1/20

Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson (D-104) is introducing legislation (A.10231) directing State Boards of Elections to permit voting by mail in the event of a natural disaster or a state of emergency. …

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Jacobson bill urges voting by mail

Posted

Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson (D-104) is introducing legislation (A.10231) directing State Boards of Elections to permit voting by mail in the event of a natural disaster or a state of emergency. Currently voters in five states can vote by mail in all elections.

Jacobson said, “Tragically, it is increasingly clear that COVID-19 will disrupt our usual day-to-day activities for an extended period of time. Even after we reach the point where it is safe to return to our schools and places of work, we will need to practice caution and minimize unnecessary contact for weeks or even months.”

Jacobson, Chair of the Assembly Subcommittee on Election Day Operations, introduced the bill with Senator Jen Metzger (D-42). Jacobson said, “Voting is a fundamental right in our nation, but we should not be asked to choose between our health and our right to vote. In addition, many poll workers are elderly and at the greatest risk of serious illness and even death from COVID-19. If we have fewer poll workers willing to work, the State will need to reduce the number of polling sites, which will mean more crowded polling sites—a situation we are all trying to avoid. Voting by mail would eliminate a number of problems.”

In response to Governor Cuomo’s executive order directing non-essential workers to stay at home, Jacobson’s staff is working remotely. However, constituents can reach staff for assistance by calling (845) 562-0888 (Newburgh) and (845) 763-7011 (Poughkeepsie). Email inquiries should be directed to JacobsonJ@nyassembly.gov.