New York Republicans Sue Over New Law Expanding Early Mail-in Voting
New York Republicans announced a lawsuit against Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul’s new law expanding early mail-in voting ahead of the 2024 election.
The lawsuit, filed by House GOP Chair Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., and a Republican and Conservative coalition, alleges that the law violates the state constitution by removing basic safeguards on absentee voting and allowing unregulated mass mail ballots.
The lawsuit was filed immediately after Hochul signed the Early Mail Voter Act into law. The law came as part of a new legislative package that Hochul billed as working to “strengthen democracy and protect voting rights in New York State.”
The Republicans argue that the law is unconstitutional because it allows all voters to cast absentee ballots without an excuse. The state constitution currently only allows absentee voting for voters who are sick, disabled, or out of town on Election Day.
The Republicans also argue that the law is unfair because it will make it easier for people to cheat in elections. They allege that the law will allow people to vote multiple times, and that it will make it difficult to prevent voter fraud.
The Hochul administration has defended the law, arguing that it will make it easier for people to vote and that it is necessary to protect voting rights.
The lawsuit is likely to be a major legal battle in the lead-up to the 2024 election. If the Republicans are successful in blocking the law, it could make it more difficult for people to vote early in New York State.
