ALBANY - Democratic lawmakers banking on Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo to fund early voting in his budget were let down on Tuesday.

The cost of adding nine more days of voting was in the backdrop of Monday's debate of the issue in the Legislature, and how to pay for it remained an unresolved question as legislation was sent to the governor for his signature. The New York State Association of Counties estimates between $500,000 and $1 million will be needed per county board of elections to cover the cost of additional space and staff for more days of voting.

Last year's state budget amendments included $7 million for early voting, and Democratic state legislators were taking a wait-and-see approach when questioned about funding by their Republican colleagues.

"Hopefully there will be some inclusion of funds in the budget," Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein, D-Brooklyn, said during a committee meeting on Monday. She also noted that separate legislation consolidating federal and state primaries would result in savings.

The state Division of Budget explained that a specific allocation wasn't necessary in light of the governor's budget proposal enabling local governments to capture sales tax from all on-line purchases by New Yorkers.

"This would raise $390 million in local sales taxes, far more than enough to cover the cost of early voting, while helping New York's businesses compete," the budget office said.

"The savings from the primary consolidation bill will more than cover the cost of early voting and put money back into local governments," said Senate Democratic spokesman Mike Murphy. "And we will fight to include money for this crucial reform in the budget and are confident that the governor agrees and will support this money."

The memorandum attached to the legislation creating one primary date estimates a savings of $25 million.

NYSAC Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario said the combined federal and state primaries will not offset the cost of early voting, and previously called on the state government to fund the voting expansion through the budget.

Senate Republican spokesman Scott Reif described the lack of specific funding as the "mother of all unfunded mandates" from Senate Democrats, although some GOP members supported the legislation.

"While Democrats enacted these measures with great fanfare, we now know they haven't provided a single cent to help pay for them," Reif said. "If this is what change looks like, we're all in big trouble."

David.Lombardo@timesunion.com - 518.454.5427 - @poozer87