NY A10975

Authorizes each board of elections to establish a system allowing county, town, city, and village clerks to collect absentee ballots during normal business hours, beginning no later than 21 days before election day.

Directs the state board of elections to promulgate rules and regulations governing the collection method, including requirements for location, chain of custody, pick-up times, proper labeling, and security of absentee ballots.

Allows absentee voters to deliver ballots to authorized county, town, city, or village clerks in addition to delivering them directly to the board of elections.

Deems an absentee ballot "received" by the board of elections before polls close on election day if it is delivered to an authorized clerk before polls close, making it eligible to be counted.

Takes effect immediately, with amendments to section 8-412 subject to expiration provisions in chapter 91 of the laws of 2020.