State Budget Office Releases Final Early Voting Money for Counties

Broome and other counties in New York State are now getting confirmation that they will be paid for implementing early voting in the state.

According to the New York State Association of Counties, the state Division of budget is approving the distribution of $10 million to county governments to help in paying for  costs to local boards of elections.

Passage of early voting in New York by the State Legislature resulted in a big out-cry from counties wanting to know how they were supposed to pay for the additional equipment, facilities and personnel needed to hold voting prior to the general election.

The Association of Counties says the 2019-20 budget allocated a total of $24.7 million for assistance, divided into two pots.  $14.7 million is to go for the equipment and $10 million to reimburse the boards of elections for their costs in implementing early voting.

The State Budget Director, Robert Mujica, Jr. said there was never a question the full $10 million in support money would be made available. Approval of the full amount come from the budget office now just weeks before the 2019 election.