Provides that qualified persons who are not registered to vote may register on a day of election at their polling places

Title of bill

An act to amend the election law, in relation to allowing for polling place voter registration for any qualified person who is not registered to vote

Purpose

The bill allows any qualified person who is not registered to vote in the State to go to his correct election district, register to vote and vote in any primary, general or special election during the hours the polling station is open.

Summary of provisions

Section 1: Amends Election Law section 5-210 to add a new subdivision 1-a to allow any qualified person, who is not registered in the State, to personally go to the polling station for his election district during voting hours on the day of any primary, general or special election, and to register to vote and vote. The registrant is required to certify under penalty of perjury that he has resided at his stated address for more than thirty days prior to the election and has not already voted in the election. It further requires the person to provide acceptable identification containing proof of his residence, and provides that if the registrant is unable to provide such proof, he may vote by means of an affidavit ballot, which will not be counted until election officials can determine his residence and eligibility to vote.

Section 2: Provides for the Act to take effect on the first day of January after it becomes a law, and allows the state board of elections to immediately necessary to promulgate rules and regulations to age.

Existing law

The New York State Constitution, Art. II, Sec. 5 requires that voter registrations must be completed no later than ten days prior to an election. This bill is designed to become effective pursuant to the adoption of an amendment of that section of the Constitution, which would eliminate the ten day requirement.

Justification

Voters often do not start paying attention to an election, become engaged in it or get inspired to vote until a short time prior to election day, especially where only local contests are involved. But, by that time it may be too late to register to vote. This leaves the unregistered voter feeling disenfranchised and that his vote doesn't matter. Allowing voters to register and vote on the day of an election will encourage more people to participate in the democratic process.

Legislative history

None.

Fiscal implications

None.

Local fiscal implications

None. EFFECTIVE DATE : This act takes effect on the first day of January after the adoption of a constitutional amendment removing the ten day advance registration requirement. The state board of elections is, upon enactment of this bill, immediately empowered to pass rules and regulations necessary for the timely implementation of the act when it becomes effective.