Standing before a crowd of activists, Assemblymember Jonathan Jacobson (D-Newburgh) reaffirmed his support for early voting in New York State.

Jacobson, Chair of the Subcommittee on Election Day Operations and Voter Disenfranchisement, announced that funding for electronic poll books and on-demand printers has been included in the Assembly budget released this week.

“It’s crucial that this funding be included since the equipment is essential to making early voting a success. I’m confident that the final New York State budget will include the necessary funding,” Jacobson said.

The Assembly 2019-2020 budget proposal would provide capital funds of $27 million for local boards of elections to implement early voting by purchasing poll books and on-demand ballot printers to update and improve voting for all New Yorkers. The Assembly would provide an additional $7 million to offset other costs associated with early voting.

Attendees included Senator James Skoufis (D-39), Dutchess County Election Commissioner Beth Soto, Ulster County Election Commissioner Ashley Dittus, and Orange County Election Commissioners Louise Vandermark and David Green, as well as activists from NU Voters Movement, Let NY Vote, and Ann Sullivan from the New York Civic Engagement Table.

In his remarks, Skoufis added, “the crucial voting reform bills passed in this legislative session provide the foundations we need to reinvigorate our state’s electoral system. With a disproportionately low voter turnout, New York must now deliver the funding that is needed to effectively implement early voting. I strongly urge the Governor to join us in prioritizing this essential budget item and make sure we go from worst to first in voter participation.”