ALBANY, NY — Gov. Andrew Cuomo has proposed a modernization program that if adopted by the legislature would allow expanded voting access that would include automatic voter registration, same-day registration and early voting.

He called his plan the Democracy Project and said it is intended to remove barriers to voting. He said, “This past election shined a bright light on the deficiencies of New York’s antiquated election laws and the artificial barriers they create that prevent and discourage voters from exercising this sacred right. These proposals will modernize and open up our election system, making it easier for more voters to participate in the process and helping to make a more fair, more just and more representative New York for all.”

New York is now one of just 13 states where early voting is not available. Cuomo’s plan would require every county to offer early voting on at least one day in the 12 days leading up to an election, and would require one early voting site for every 50,000 residents, meaning that Sullivan County would be required to have a least two.

Some lawmakers have criticized the plan because it will add another financial burden to county taxpayers. Assemblyman Karl Brabenec, who criticized the move as another step in preparation of Cuomo’s run for the presidency in 2020, said, “These measures are aimed at increasing voter turnout but have potentially catastrophic consequences, such as voter fraud and a high cost for a low increase in voter participation. A better solution would be a no-fault absentee ballot, which would allow early voting though the already-established absentee ballot process in New York State. This would accomplish the goal of expanding the potential for voter participation without forcing another cost on our property taxpayers.”

Still, Cuomo is not the only state-wide elected official calling for changes to the state’s voting laws. Attorney General Eric Schneiderman’s office last month detailed the high barriers to voting many New Yorkers face.

He said, “On Primary Day last year, my office’s voter hotline received 10 times more voter complaints than any time in history, with over 1,500 New Yorkers reporting cases of long lines, inaccurate voter rolls, and confusing and inconsistent policies at polling places across New York. That needs to change.

“In addition to the proposals announced by Gov. Cuomo, we must enact changes that support greater voter participation, such as finally consolidating New York’s unnecessary three primary schedule to a single day, and making it easier for New Yorkers to vote in the party primary of their choice.”

Other initiatives

As Cuomo made a series of State of the State Addresses across the state, he announced several major developments and initiatives. He told his audience that he has reached an agreement with the owner of the Indian Point nuclear power plant, and the aging facility will shut down its last turbine in 2021, 14 years before the previously planned closing.

Cuomo also announced an initiative to “strengthen equal pay protections in New York by prohibiting all state entities from evaluating candidates based on their prior salary or asking prospective employees their wage history.”

Other initiatives he announced would overhaul the states “antiquated” bail system, raise the age of criminal responsibility and improve the lives of immigrants in the state.