Confusion over counting and collecting ballots ahead of this Tuesday has effectively ended.
Governor Andrew Cuomo announced an executive order extending the deadline for school districts to count absentee ballots ahead of tomorrow’s votes statewide.
Originally, the first executive order from April 27th scheduled for all absentee ballots to be collected by 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 9th, but the latest executive order stipulates that ballots cast through mailing or drop-off between tomorrow, June 9th until the following week, June 16th are all considered valid.
Last Tuesday, State Senator Peter Harckham [D-40] introduced a bill that sought to address this issue, advocating for a week extension to count all absentee ballots for school board, budget and library votes.
Seemingly enough, Governor Cuomo followed Sen. Harckham’s advice after coordinating conversations with his office suggesting that his legislation would be easiest to implement by adopting it as an executive order.
“I mean, our measure, it would obviously be done easier and more smoothly through executive order,” he stated. “I think right now, executive order is the best approach like planning for the worst hope for the best,” Sen. Harckham told FingerLakes1.com.
Hear Sen. Harckham’s thoughts a few days before the executive order announcement:
Gabe covered health and indigenous affairs in the Finger Lakes between 2019 and 2022. His award winning coverage was cited by the federal government and provided residents with an invaluable service during the coronavirus pandemic.