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Tens of thousands of votes cast in New York State last year were voided after voters filled out too many ovals on their ballot and then didn't understand the scanning machine's warnings, a new report found.

Michael Bloomberg and allies unveiled a slate of changes to state election laws that they say will make it easier to vote and help boost New York out of 47th place in the nation for the percentage of voter turnout.

Notably, in attendance was the Rev. Al Shaprton, who said the state was in the "dark ages" when it came to rules allowing citizens to vote. Shaprton's support here is important, since his absence from another Bloomberg initiative—the creation of non-partisan elections—helped kill it.

Among the changes the Bloomberg-Sharpton coalition are seeking include offering "no-excuse" absentee ballots, the creation of an early voting period, extending the deadline to register for or switch enrollment in a political party, and allowing ballots to be filled out outside of the polling station where they are deposited.

Voting at polling places in New York City seems to be going more smoothly than on Primary Day, when some sites didn't open on time, scanners didn't work and voters complained about lack of privacy. Many said they had no trouble choosing the right candidates on the ballot, despite potentially confusing instructions.

Larry Norden, senior counsel with the NYU Law School's Brennan Center for Justice, on the problems with the New York ballot.

The lack of privacy, delayed equipment and confusion New Yorkers encountered on September's Primary Day have all been addressed ahead of Tuesday general election, according to the New York City Board of Elections.

Find everything you need in It's A Free Country's guide to the general election in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

In under a week, the nation will vote in gubernatorial, Senate and Congressional elections that seem very likely to shift the national balance of power. But in many states, those same voters will be deciding on ballot initiatives that will have more dramatic and immediate consequences.  

In California, voters are going to decide on Proposition 19, a ballot initiative that would legalize the use of marijuana for non-medicinal purposes. U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder says that even if California were to legalize pot, the Department of Justice will prosecute Californian users and growers under federal drug laws. 

Candidates aren't the only choices voters will have to make on the (increasingly confusing) New York ballot. Term limits, one of the most controversial legacies of Mayor Bloomberg, are back with a vengence—do you support reimposing a two term limit on city elected officials?  Plus, you'll need to say yay or nay to a seven-tiered proposal to revise the City Charter.

Your General Election Guide: Who's Running, Where To Vote, Endorsements, and More