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That is especially significant at a time when the pandemic has disrupted the normal operations of the state legislature, said Common Cause Executive Director Susan Lerner, a good-government advocate. “What we’re seeing is extraordinary consolidation of power by the governor and acquiescence by the legislature that undercuts our entire system of checks and balances,” Ms. Lerner said in an interview. “Without the normal appointment process, there’s no way to have any oversight or accountability.”

“Democracy doesn’t pause, it adapts. While the governor continues to triage the COVID crisis, the Legislature must take advantage of existing technologies to continue doing the people’s business remotely,” said Susan Lerner, executive director of Common Cause/NY. “Public services is a matter of moral leadership, and New Yorkers need our elected representatives to commit to staying in remote session now more than ever.”

Susan Lerner, executive director of Common Cause New York, said the state needs to expand early voting and streamline the process for absentee voting to ensure elections are held fairly and safely.

“Tuesday’s election in Wisconsin was an avoidable travesty that need not occur in New York. With foresight and planning, like expanding absentee voting and increasing early voting days and poll sites, voters will be able to exercise their democratic rights without risking their lives,” Sarah Goff, the deputy director of Common Cause New York told Spectrum News.

Common Cause/NY, a reform group, backed legislation advanced by Sen. Alessandra Biaggi, D-the Bronx, to make it easier for New Yorkers to qualify for absentee voting. The group also recommended New York double the number of early voting days from nine to 18 to increase voter participation.

Common Cause wants to make sure what happened in Wisconsin doesn’t happen in New York. Deputy Director of Common Cause NY Sarah Goff says New York should expand early voting from 9 to 18 days, and increase access to absentee ballots, but also ensure voters who choose to cast ballots in person can do so. “With more time to vote and additional poll sites, we’re confident that we can disperse voters, reduce density, protect public health, and meet the goal of holding our elections safely and securely,” said Goff.