A trio of key labor unions on Monday endorsed changes to the state's redistricting process as well as making it easier for voters to obtain an absentee ballot and eliminate a 10-day voter registration requirement. 

The labor unions — 1199SEIU, 32BJ SEIU and the New York State Nurses Association — are backing the changes that are under consideration this fall for New York voters as part of a series of ballot propositions that would amend the state's constitution. 

Voters are considering five amendments altogether, and early voting in New York began this weekend. 

The measures embraced by the unions would make changes to the state's redistricting process that, taken together, could give Democratic lawmakers the upper hand in ultimately redrawing boundaries as well as codifying laws in the constitution that prevent the use of people in prison when drawing district lines. 

The labor groups are also backing an amendment that would enable no-excuse absentee balloting. And another amendment would end the requirement of being registered to vote at least 10 days prior to Election Day. 

"1199ers come from all walks of life, and many of our members are immigrants and people of color, who have long been the targets of right-wing attacks and bad-faith attempts at diluting our power," said Gabby Seay, the political director of 1199SEIU. But we know that the contributions of working people are what makes American democracy strong. Proposals 1, 3, and 4 will keep power with the people, and crucially ensure that non-citizens aren't excluded from the redistricting process. We're urging our members and all New Yorkers to vote yes on 1, 3, and 4."