Makes the following participating agencies for purposes of agency assisted voter registration: public libraries, local housing authorities, and public high schools

BILL NUMBER:S1970

Title of bill

An act to amend the election law, in relation to designating additional participating agencies for purposes of agency assisted voter registration

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 amends section 5-211 of the election law in relation to adding public libraries, local housing authorities, and public high school to agencies for the purposes of assisting with voter registration.

Justification

Registering to vote can be a difficult process for many people. This bill would make the process easier by requiring more agencies to offer voter registration forms upon application for services, renewal of services, and change of address relating to such services. Such agencies will also be responsible for providing assistance to applicants in completing voter registration forms, and receiving and transmitting the completed application forms to the appropriate board of elections. In addition to college campuses, Immigration and Naturalization Services, and recruitment offices of the armed forces, all public libraries, local housing authorities, and public high schools will offer the same voter registration services. This will increase the number of eligible voters, and make the voting process less difficult.

Prior legislative history

None.

Fiscal implications

Minimal.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it shall have become a law, provided that the state board of elections is authorized to promulgate any rules to implement this act on or before its effective date.