ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Early voting is about to happen for the first time in New York and advocates hope it will expand access to the polls.

Voters can cast ballots starting Saturday thanks to a new law allowing New York voters to cast a ballot in person up to 10 days before an election.

The big change is rolling out in a quiet election year, ahead of the 2020 presidential contest.

Voters are picking candidates for county positions, local judges, school boards and municipal government.

Lawmakers have kicked in $10 million to help local governments pay for extra staff for early voting.

Another $14.7 million has been budged for new electronic poll books that verify voter eligibility.

Early voting ends on Nov. 3 before resuming on Election Day, Nov. 5.

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