Nick Reisman is reporting for State of Politics absentee ballots cast in New York will not be rejected or voided because of stray marks or writing under a new law signed June 24, by Gov. Kathy Hochul. The intent of the voter would have be clear and unambiguous in order for the ballot to be upheld. Hochul said,, "No ballot should be disqualified because of a single errant pen stroke, and the legislation we're signing today marks a major step forward to ensure New Yorkers' unambiguous votes are counted." State election law requires that ballots be marked in the space where a voter is casting their vote as their candidate of choice. Stray marks or stains can occur, leading to the rejection of the ballot as a result, but the law approved by Hochul will allow for the vote to be counted as long as the intent is clear. Close election contests often come down to absentee ballots that have been cast. The use of absentee balloting has increased over the last two years amid the COVID-19 pandemic. New York voters last year rejected a constitutional amendment that would have permanently allowed for no-excuse absentee balloting. Read the full story at nystateofpolitics [dot] com.