Absentee Ballot Deadlines Extended in New York

Assuming people can still find their absentee ballots

The state Board of Elections announced Thursday it would extend the application deadline for absentee ballots to Nov. 2 as New Yorkers deal with the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.

In an emergency meeting late Wednesday, the board voted to ease the original Oct. 30 deadline statewide for faxed or mailed applications, according to a news release. Voters may apply for an absentee ballot in person at local boards of elections through Nov. 5.

The board also extended the deadline to submit the ballots in person by six days, from Nov. 13 to Nov. 19. Ballots returned by mail still must be postmarked Nov. 5 but have until Nov. 19 to reach the local board.