Absentee ballots for all ahead of June 23 elections, but questions remain

All New York voters can submit an absentee ballot for the June 23 primaries and the special election for Queens borough president, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday. Photo courtesy of Cuomo’s Office

By Victoria Merlino

All voters will be able to cast their ballots by mail ahead of the June 23 primary elections and the special contest for Queens borough president, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Wednesday. 

Candidates for Queens borough president, voting rights advocates and public health experts concerned about the spread of the coronavirus all recommended the measure.

“New Yorkers shouldn't have to choose between their health and their civic duty,” Cuomo tweeted along with the announcement on Wednesday. 

Nevertheless, confusion persisted about exactly what the mail-in ballot process will look like. 

When asked whether everyone will automatically receive a mail-in ballot, a spokesperson for the state Board of Election told the Eagle that more information about the mail-in ballot process will be provided once more details are confirmed.

Candidates for Queens borough president said they weren’t sure what to expect, and the city’s Campaign Finance Board said they are also still waiting to hear about the protocols from the state.

Primary day will include the Queens borough president election, which was canceled partway through the early voting process in March to comply with state social distancing orders. The June 23 date will also include the presidential primary and the primary for the Southeast Queens’ Assembly District 31 seat. 

Election watchers speculate that New York may waive its Democratic presidential primary because U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders has dropped out, leaving a clear path to victory for former Vice President Joe Biden. The state Republican party has already waived its primary.

Additional reporting by David Brand