NY A11168

Allows boards of elections to begin examining absentee ballot envelopes 40 days prior to election day on a daily basis, rather than waiting until after the election, with examinations occurring every business day or on a bipartisan schedule posted on the board's website.

Requires boards to begin canvassing eligible absentee ballots three hours before polls close on election day, with results updated at least daily while maintaining voter privacy and preventing early release of results.

Permits voters who received an absentee ballot to surrender it and vote on a voting machine if they mark the absentee ballot "VOID," or to vote by affidavit ballot if they cannot surrender the absentee ballot.

Allows watchers to be present at meetings examining absentee ballot envelopes prior to election day, with objections to ballot eligibility determinations required to be made at the meeting where the determination is made.

Raises standards for obtaining court orders to halt absentee ballot canvassing by requiring clear and convincing evidence of irreparable harm due to procedural irregularities, while stating that opinion polls showing a close election are insufficient grounds for injunctive relief.