Cross posted in the New York Group. Special thanks to DUer Danmel.

[LuckyCharms]

1) I voted in every general election since I was 18 years old. I registered when I was 18, I am 61 now. At that time, I registered as an "independent" which I've always regretted, since I could never vote in the Democratic primaries. It was one of those things where I've always told myself "yeah, I have to change that". Well, for whatever reason, I never did, even though I've always voted a straight Democratic ticket in the general elections. I called my COUNTY board of elections today, and the process to change your registered affiliation is easy. They mail you a form, you make the change, and mail it back to them. Done. So that will be taken care of soon.

2) A few days ago, I posted in the General Discussion forum about my concern about voting at a public voting booth in November, considering that I am in a high risk group for COVID. I went to the website for the NYS board of elections, and it said that Governor Cuomo signed a law that for the NYS primaries held back in June, you could check "temporary illness" on your application for an absentee ballot application if you are concerned about getting COVID, however, there was no mention that you could do this for the General Election in November.

In the above noted previous post, DUer Danmel kindly informed me that he/she works for the NYS assembly, and that the assembly passed a bill that allowed the "temporary illness" provision to be extended to the November election, and the bill is sitting on Gov. Cuomo's desk, waiting to be signed. See below link:

https://upload.democraticunderground.com/100213833861#post4

I did my due diligence concerning this, and called the NYS Board of Elections. I had to leave a message, and have not yet received a call back. So, I called my county board of elections this morning, and they confirmed what DUer Danmel has stated. Gov. Cuomo has not signed the bill yet, but all indications are that he will within the next few weeks, therefore allowing you to apply for an absentee ballot if you are at high risk for COVID. The announcement will be in the news when the Gov. signs the bill.

So if you are in NYS and you wish to vote by mail because of COVID concerns, keep your eyes peeled for this announcement, and then apply for an absentee ballot.

[cayugafalls]

1. I hope he signs it soon. That is really good news for you.

In Texas, we do not have vote by mail or any sort of extension, but when I called the state election office and spoke with their attorney they were really nice and the person went over the statute with me VERY carefully. She would not come out and say I could apply for a mail in vote due to disability, because I am not disabled, just 60 with some underlying condition, but she did go over the section very carefully and read it twice. The highlighted sections from the statute are the two phrases she stressed. It was like a Eureka moment when I got what she was saying and she kind of chuckled and said "yeah". Needless to say I sent my application for mail in ballot last week.

Sec. 82.002. DISABILITY. (a) A qualified voter is eligible for early voting by mail if the voter has a sickness or physical condition that prevents the voter from appearing at the polling place on election day without a likelihood of needing personal assistance or of injuring the voter's health.

I hope you can get yours taken care of soon! Good luck!

[LuckyCharms]

2. Great! It seems like that statement legally covers you.

I was going to check "disabled" since I am classified as such by the Government.

However, my disabilities are due to chronic invisible illnesses that do not affect my ability to walk, exercise, be out in public, etc. I don't have a handicapped sticker for my vehicle or anything like that.

I would have felt like I was breaking the law if I checked the "disabled" box.

Good for you for doing the research of your situation!

[cayugafalls]

3. I should probably post my experience in the Texas group.

It might help others to see there is an option. One other thing she also mentioned is that there is no law in Texas that compels you to prove you are disabled when requesting a ballot by mail.

Be well, LC.

[LuckyCharms]

4. You be well also.