May 21, 2026 - New York lawmakers are advancing legislation that would make it significantly easier for residents living overseas and military voters to participate in elections, addressing long-standing barriers tied to outdated absentee voting processes.
Under consideration in the NY State Senate and the Assembly, the bill (S7689B/A8257B ) would allow New Yorkers abroad to submit absentee ballot requests and voter registrations electronically, replacing the current system that requires voters to back up their emailed requests and registrations with a mailed copy.
“This update would make a dramatic difference to New York voters living abroad,” notes Democrats Abroad Chair Martha McDevitt-Pugh. “Having to mail a ballot request by post causes significant confusion and can be a significant additional expense for voters.”
The proposal comes as postal slowdowns continue to affect delivery times worldwide, a challenge that disproportionately impacts voters living outside the United States. For many, especially in countries with limited or unreliable mail systems, returning registrations and ballot requests by post presents a persistent obstacle. The situation is even more acute for military voters, as the U.S. Postal Service has suspended mail services in 28 military ZIP codes in the Middle East, further restricting access to timely ballot requests.
In addition to streamlining the process for overseas voters, the legislation includes a provision aimed at college students studying abroad. New York institutions of higher education would be required to provide these students with information and access to the Federal Postcard Application, a key tool for requesting absentee ballots from overseas.
Supporters argue the bill would improve both access and equity. Active-duty military personnel and their families, U.S. citizens living abroad, and students outside the country would all benefit from faster, more reliable ways to engage in the democratic process.
Importantly, the measure is expected to have minimal fiscal impact. It builds on existing election infrastructure already used for electronic ballot transmission, requiring only modest updates to procedures and training. And it reduces the burden on local election officials, removing an additional and burdensome step.
If passed, the legislation would mark a notable shift in how New York supports its global electorate, recognizing that modern registration systems must reflect the realities of an increasingly mobile population.
To support this legislation, Democrats Abroad is asking that New York voters contact their Assembly Member and ask that they vote yes to supporting voters abroad.
Contact NY Assembly Members Now
Find your Assembly Member:
https://nyassembly.gov/mem/search/
Sample script:
Hello, my name is [NAME], and I’m a constituent calling to ask Assembly Member [NAME] to vote YES on A8257B to support overseas and military voters.
This bill would modernize New York’s absentee voting process by allowing voters abroad to submit voter registrations and ballot requests electronically, without requiring additional paper copies by mail.
Please support A8257B and help ensure all eligible New Yorkers can participate in our democracy.
Thank you.