All 62 NY counties to offer early voting leading up to election

Early voting is coming to every county in New York.

Governor Cuomo announced Monday a 30-day budget amendment will be advanced to fund voting reforms, including early voting across the state.

This action provides $7 million in the FY 2019 budget for counties to offer early voting in the 12 days leading up to Election Day.

Under current law, New York is one of only 13 states where early voting is not available and an excuse is required to request an absentee ballot.

"Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy, and no one should have to choose between exercising their sacred right to vote and going to work, school or personal commitments," Governor Cuomo said. "By offering early voting across the state, we are further breaking down barriers to democracy and helping to ensure that all New Yorkers' voices are heard."

This legislation will require every county to offer residents access to at least one early voting poll site during the 12 days leading up to Election Day. Voters will have at least eight hours on weekdays and five hours on weekends to cast early ballots. Each county must have one polling site for every 50,000 residents.