New York and Kentucky just made it easier to vote by mail

New York and Kentucky announced new programs on Friday aimed at improving access to mail-in ballots, as both states work to find ways to limit interaction at the polls during upcoming elections amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

On Friday, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear both signed executive orders mandating applications for absentee ballots be sent to all of their states’ voters — upon returning the applications to state officials, voters will receive ballots.

“I am issuing an Executive Order to ensure every New York voter automatically receives a postage-paid application for an absentee ballot because no New Yorker should have to choose between their health and their right to vote,” Cuomo said in a statement.

Kentucky’s plan does not include prepaid postage, but does require the state to create a website so voters can request ballots online. It also waives the requirement for absentee voters to notarize their ballot applications.

“While there will be significant education and work required, we are committed to making sure this election will be held in a safe manner while we are in this worldwide health pandemic,” Beshear said in a statement.

Both Kentucky’s and New York’s primary elections have been postponed to June 23 because of the coronavirus outbreak. New York’s was originally scheduled for April 28, and Kentucky’s for May 19.

New York has become the epicenter of the outbreak, with at least 271,000 confirmed Covid-19 cases as of April 25, and more than 16,000 deaths. Kentucky has nearly 3,800 cases, with 200 deaths.

Ref: vox