The NY State Attorney General and Assembly Speaker are proposing an early voting system for New York that they say would improve voter participation and democracy.
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman teamed up to push New York to join 32 other states that allow early voting.
Speaker Silver says NY State has suffered from low voter participation—it ranks near the lowest in the nation, and he thinks an extended period of time to vote could help.
The two elected officials propose a fifteen day period for voters to cast ballots before a general election, and eight days for primaries.
Senate Republican Leader Dean Skelos says he’s not in favor of early voting because people would not be able to change their vote if something happened to change their minds.
So much for October surprises – they would all have to be September surprises now…
Governor Cuomo has said that he supports early voting, but is yet to suggest a specific proposal.
In the Silver- Schneiderman system, the polls would be open form 8 AM to 8 PM on weekdays and 9 to 5 on weekends.