In response to the Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s declaration of a state of emergency amid the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, voters will now be allowed to request an absentee ballot beginning this Friday. 

According to the Republican Elections Commissioner, Erie County has the largest number of polling places in Western New York. The county also has the longest hours of any early voting site in New York. 

However, election commissioners are concerned voters won’t be taking advantage of those resources over fears of coronavirus. 

"There are alternate means of voting," said Republican Elections Commissioner Ralph Mohr. "Just because you have a fear of coronavirus…we don't want that to impact your right to vote." 

Absentee voters will notice a slight difference in the ballots. A new “public health emergency” option is available.

The Board of Elections will allow the absentee ballots to be used throughout the Democratic Presidential Primary and the special election for the 27th Congressional District.

Those ballots must be postmarked by April 21.