ALBANY, NY (WENY)--For New York State elections voters can go to the polls early to cast their ballots. Legislation recently passed in Albany could give New Yorkers the options to vote early by mail. 

Some advocates said this legislation increases accessibility for voters which could also increase voter participation. 

“The New York Early Mail Voter Act is a historic opportunity to expand voting rights and voting accessibility in New York by allowing any registered voter in New York to apply for a mail ballot and return it by election day,” said Brett Edkins, Managing Director, Stand Up America.

Some Republican Lawmakers disagreed this legislation could increase accessibility for voters. 

Sen. George Borrello (R-57th Senate District) highlighted the state allows for 10 days of early voting in addition to the polls being open typically from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on election day. 

“The whole idea that you can’t get to the polls in that period of time is really just a false claim, a false accusation,” Borrello said.

Sen. Borrello also expressed concern about this legislation and the state constitution. 

“This is no doubt, just a way to circumvent the already existing constitutional limitations on who may vote by mail,” he said. 

The New York State constitution currently requires absentee ballots for certain circumstances such as being in the military or being out of state during election time. 

Some Democratic lawmakers stated the constitution does not however, constrain the legislature from enacting a unique early voting by mail process. 

"Voting is a fundamental right and the easier we make it to vote, the healthier our democracy will be," stated Sen. Michael Gianaris (D-12th Senate District). 

The legislation, if signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul, will apply for general,  primary and special elections.