With the hottest weather so far this year arriving, and voters heading to the polls for primary elections on Tuesday, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Saturday signed new legislation into law which allows voters to get refreshments, including water, while waiting in line at polling locations.

Under the previous law, New York State Election Law Section 17-140, people who provided items of small value to voters at polling sites, like food or water, could have faced criminal penalties.

Effective immediately, voters can now be given water.

“Our democracy works best when every eligible voter has a chance to cast their ballot,” Hochul said in a statement. “Providing water to voters waiting in line is a common-sense way to ensure New Yorkers have an easy, safe and secure experience in the voting booth. I’m committing to protecting the right to vote for all eligible New Yorkers.”

On Friday, Hochul warned the heat index is expected to soar past 100 degrees on Monday and Tuesday and into the 90s on Wednesday across the state. 

Hochul encouraged New Yorkers to cast ballots during early voting, which ends Sunday, in an effort to avoid the upcoming extreme temps.

"The No. 1 cause of weather-related death is extreme heat, and that’s what we are facing,” Hochul said.