Governor Hochul has signed legislation that will make it possible for anyone to vote by absentee ballot.
Starting in the new year, all registered voters will be able to apply online for an early mail voting ballot from their local board of elections.
The ballots would have to be returned before polling places close on Election Day.
The early voting by mail would be allowed for all primaries, general elections and special elections.
The legislature passed the bill this year, even though voters rejected a state amendment in 2021 that would have created a similar system.