Hochul Sued After Passing Bill to Expand Early Voting by Mail

by M.C. Millman

Representatives from the Republican National Committee (RNC) and the National Republican Congressional Committee joined with the New York State Conservative Party in suing New York State and Governor Kathy Hochul after the New York Early Mail Voter Act was passed this morning.

The newly passed bill allows registered voters to vote early using a mail-in ballot and same-day registration. The new law will allow any registered voter to request an early mail voting ballot from the Board of Elections (BOE). It will also require the BOE to create an online system for registered voters to request and track their early voting ballot application submissions. Submissions of early voting ballots would have to be received before the polls close on Election Day.

The bill was sponsored in the Assembly by Assembly Member Karines Reyes and passed the Democratic-led Senate and Assembly in early June. 

Representatives from the Republican National Committee (RNC) and the National Republican Congressional Committee joined with the New York State Conservative Party in suing Hochul and the state for the legislation. 

While previously absentee ballots were meant for eligible voters who were not in the county, who were in jail, who were too sick to go out and vote, or who were taking care of someone ill, the New York Early Mail Voter Act cements the temporary changes that were made for eligible New York voters during the pandemic. 

The Republicans are suing New York State and the governor while calling attention to the failed 2021 “no-excuse” absentee ballot amendment meant to expand access to absentee ballots, which was put to the vote and turned down by 55 percent of New York voters. Additionally, the group has pointed out the over 50 cases of election integrity litigation in sixteen states. 

The New York Early Mail Voter Act is presently expected to take effect on January 1, 2024.