Traditionally, in New York, you need to have an excuse for an absentee ballot. They allowed us to vote in the primary by mail with no excuse because of the virus. I don't know if they will allow us to do the same for the actual Nov. 3 election, but with all that's going on, my thoughts now are that I will vote in person to make sure my vote is actually counted. My voting place is rarely crowded, so I feel relatively safe. I understand your fears - I'm sure you aren't alone.
RosieG 