Relates to applications for absentee ballots

2 Co-sponsors

• Eric Adams
• Joseph P. Addabbo Jr.

BILL NUMBER:S4960B

Title of bill

An act to amend the election law, in relation to making applications for absentee ballots

Purpose or general idea of bill

To change the absentee ballot application deadline change providing more voters with additional time and means to vote via absentee ballot.

Summary of specific provisions

Paragraph (d) of subdivision 2 of section 8-400 of the Election Law, as added by Chapter 165 of the Laws of 2009 is amended as follows: the Board of Elections shall mail an absentee ballot to every qualified voter eligible for such a ballot, who requests such an absentee ballot from such Board of Elections in writing in a letter, telefax, or other written instrument, which is signed by the voter and received by the Board of Elections not earlier than the thirtieth (30th) day, now later than the seventh (7th) day before the election for which the ballot is first (1st) requested. The telefax must indicate the address, phone number and telefax number from which the writing is sent. The request for the absentee ballot must state the address where the voter is regis- tered and the address to which the ballot is to be mailed.

Justification

The strength of a democracy is the level of participation by its citi- zens so it is incumbent upon government to ensure that all citizens are afforded with the means to vote including by absentee ballot. This legislation will provide voters with the opportunity to request an absentee ballot by telefax or other written instrument in addition to the currently stipulated means of a letter. The addition of other means such as the telefax to request an absentee ballot acknowledges the new technology.

This legislation would also provide voters with more time to complete and submit an absentee ballot application and absentee ballot.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

First of January next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law and shall apply to all elections or primaries conducted on or after such date. However, the bill authorizes the immediate addition, amendment and/or repeal of rules or regulations necessary in order to implement this act on its effective date are authorized and directed to be made and completed on or before such effective date.