The Troy Record reports that Albany County is sending all voters who request an absentee ballot a postage-paid envelope beginning with the November elections. “Recent elections have shown there is greater interest in absentee voting. There are several advantages for the voters. They increase voter participation and encourage the voter to study the ballot longer. Prepaid postage will guarantee the return of the ballots,” said Albany County Legislature Deputy Chair Wanda Willingham. Registered voters can receive an absentee ballot for several reasons including if they are unable to appear at the polls due to temporary or permanent illness or disability, which includes fear of contracting COVID-19. Voters can apply for an absentee ballot by mail; through the absentee portal on the New York State Board of Elections website; in person at the Albany County Board of Elections offices at 260 South Pearl St. in Albany; or they can assign someone to bring the application in-person to the BOE and receive the ballot. Applications for absentee ballots must be received by the Board of Elections by October 18 or 15 days before the general election. Read more about this story in the Troy Record.