Statement from Senator Kavanagh on Governor Cuomo's Inclusion of Funding for Early Voting in the Executive Budget Proposal

(Albany, NY) — Today, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that he will amend his Executive Budget Proposal to include $7 million for statewide early voting. Senator Brian Kavanagh, Ranking Member of the Senate Elections Committee, released the following statement:

“Voting is the bedrock of our system of government, and we must do everything in our power to ensure eligible New Yorkers are able to access the polls and make their voices heard. For too long, our outdated laws have depressed turnout and disenfranchised voters. Some have been unable to vote simply because they can't make it to their poll site on a single day. This year, we intend to end that.

“Early voting will allow seniors, those with non-traditional work schedules, working parents, and every busy New Yorker to vote when it’s convenient for them. This is a common sense reform whose time has come, and I’m thrilled that New York is on its way to becoming the 38th state with early voting.

“I’d like to thank Governor Cuomo for adding this funding to his budget proposal and recognize all of my colleagues in the legislature and the advocates, especially the Let New York Vote Coalition, who have worked tirelessly to make early voting a reality in New York. I look forward to working with the Governor to ensure that both houses of the legislature adopt this funding as part of the final budget.” 
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