New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed several pieces of legislation into law Tuesday aimed to improve voter protections and accessibility, her office announced.

The bills the governor signed will:

• Allow pre-registered voters, individuals who will be 18 years old by Election Day, to apply for an absentee or early mail voting ballot
• Ensure New Yorkers are able to cure ballot defects within the required timeframes
• Create a standard ordering criteria for candidates appearing on a ballot
• Bring state election law into compliance with the requirements set under the federal Electoral Count Reform Act
• Expand poll watcher eligibility to include most New York state attorneys
• Make technical changes related to town elections
• Clarify administrative processes for preclearance coverage determinations under the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of New York

“Our democracy is rooted in the sacrifices of those willing to fight for that idea greater than any one of us, and with this legislation, we are strengthening our efforts to protect it,” Hochul said in a statement. “Every New Yorker deserves the opportunity to have their voice heard, and these laws bring the ideals of self-governance closer to reality.” 

In December 2022, New York expanded the amount of time citizens have to register to vote, moving the deadline for voter registration from 25 days ahead of an election to the constitutionally allowed minimum of just 10 days ahead of an election. In 2023, New York established a system for early voting by mail.