New York will email some absentee ballots following lawsuit from disability rights group

Eagle file photo by David Brand

By David Brand

The state Board of Elections has reached a deal to provide accessible absentee ballots — including some via email — to New Yorkers with disabilities, following a federal court challenge by a coalition of disability rights’ groups. 

Under the agreement, approved Tuesday by a Manhattan federal court judge, the BOE will email pdf versions of absentee ballots to people with certain disabilities that prevent them from privately completing a paper ballot in the June 23 primary. The BOE will also enable people with certain disabilities to apply for absentee ballots electronically instead of by mailing a paper application.

In addition, the state election agency will provide clear instructions to county boards of election to ensure they follow the stipulations of the agreement ahead of Primary Day. 

“This is a great victory in providing accessible ballots to people with disabilities. All people deserve the right and ability to vote independently and safely,” said Susan Dooha, executive director of Center for Independence of the Disabled, NY, one of the organizations that filed a lawsuit against the BOE on May 22.

“But our work is not done,” Dooha continued. “We will continue our pursuit for fully accessible absentee ballots for the November 2020 General elections.”