David Lombardo is reporting for the Times Union New York's voting procedures could undergo a significant overhaul as a result of the Democratic takeover of the state Senate. Proposed reforms include early voting, no-excuse absentee voting and the implementation of a single legislative primary date. Many of the proposed changes stopped at the committee level when the GOP controlled the Senate. Speaking at an Assembly hearing this week, state Board of Elections co-Director Bob Brehm said early voting could improve the "customer service" experience for voters. Any expansion of voting days would mean local boards would have to add staff and polling sites, an additional cost not previously part of the governor's budget. Early voting, as currently proposed, would last seven days and end on the Sunday before a primary, special or general election. Critics of early voting cite the cost and note that late campaign surprises could occur after voters already cast their ballot. There is also support for automatic voter registration when applying for a driver's license or upon high school graduation, but that legislation has not passed either chamber. "I think we should be voting online," said Assemblymember Tom Abinanti, a Westchester County Democrat. "But that's down the line." Read the full story in the Times Union.