Common Cause/NY Updates NYC Voters on Absentee Ballot Issues

NEW YORK, NY (09/29/2020) (readMedia)-- News reports today reveal that there are two errors on the absentee ballots being sent to NYC voters:

1. Ballots read "Absentee Military" rather than "Absentee/Military"
2. Some voters are receiving ballots with the smaller "oath envelope" addressed to the wrong person

NYC voters should know that:

1. Despite the typo that reads "Absentee Military," the ballot is valid and will be counted even if you are not military.
2. Voters should check immediately to make sure that their smaller oath envelope matches their name, and if not, immediately email the NYC BOE at Apply4Absentee@boe.nyc

It is also important to note that the absentee ballot does not include prepaid return postage for the general election.

1. New York City voters can mail their absentee ballot with ONE Forever stamp. Queens voters however, have a longer ballot and should use TWO Forever stamps.
2. If you can not or do not want to mail your ballot, know that ANYONE (ie: a neighbor, friend, family member) can drop off your absentee ballot for you at any poll site during the Early Voting period or on Election Day

"There are always problems with every human system, but the good news is that there's ample time to fix them and voters have plenty of options. The most important thing is to make a plan to vote now, and then have a back-up plan in case you need it. Common Cause/NY will continue to work together with the BOE and New Yorkers to make sure every eligible vote counts," said Susan Lerner, Executive Director of Common Cause/NY.

Voters who have requested, received or returned their absentee ballot always have the option to vote in-person during the Early Voting period (October 24-November 1st) or on Election Day, November 3rd