The deadline for New York voters to submit an absentee ballot application is approaching ahead of the June 23 primaries.

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the state is allowing all registered voters to vote by mail in the upcoming primaries

Nassau and Suffolk have mailed applications to the approximately 1 million Long Island residents eligible to vote -- less than 10% have been returned.

Of those who News 12 talked to, some voters expressed a need for mail-in voting, while others felt distrust with the system.

 

Nick LaLota, Suffolk's Republican elections commissioner, says voters have three options available to them.

"Whatever they feel safe and comfortable choosing is up to them," he says. "They should know the absentee process provides them no issue whatsoever. But if they want to vote early or if they want to vote at our traditional primary day, they should have the confidence that it's going to be a healthy, sterile environment."

Nassau's Democratic elections commissioner says voters should absolutely take advantage of absentee voting.

"Anything that expands voter participation makes me happy as a commissioner," says Jim Scheurman. "So I'm definitely hoping that people will use the postage-paid applications as well as the postage-paid ballots. The shortest line to vote this year, this election, will be at your kitchen table, so I would take advantage of that."

Another issue for both counties is finding enough inspectors -- the workers you see within polling places. Many are leery of working long hours within large crowds.