Every New Yorker is to receive a postage-paid application for an absentee ballot, Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Friday. He had earlier issued an executive order allowing residents to vote by mail in the June 23 primary election.

The new mandate is to be carried out by the state’s board of elections.

“We’re making great progress to flatten the curve and decrease the spread of infection, but we don't know when this pandemic will end and we can’t put democracy on hold,” Cuomo said. “I am issuing an Executive Order to ensure every New York voter automatically receives a postage-paid application for an absentee ballot because no New Yorker should have to choose between their health and their right to vote.”