Relates to the appointment of election inspectors and poll clerks

BILL NUMBER:S2735

Title of bill

An act to amend the election law, in relation to the appointment of election inspectors and poll clerks

Purpose or general idea of bill

To ensure that the additional inspector list is used to fill vacancies to appoint new election inspectors, poll clerks and election coordinators.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 amends Subdivision 4 of section 3-401 of the election law to require any county board of elections appointing election coordinators and the NYC board of elections shall prepare a report detailing assignments of election inspectors and poll clerks and shall list the poll sites that do not have assigned coverage.

Section 2 amends subdivision 1 of section 3 - 406 of the election law to require the board of elections to use the additional inspector list for the vacancy of election inspectors, poll clerks and election coordinators. This list shall be provided to the state board of elections no later than 20 days prior to the election.

Section 3 subdivision 1 requires in the event of an absence or vacancy the inspector shall appoint a qualified inspector of the same party from the additional inspector list until the list is exhausted.

Section 3 subdivision 2 allows an inspector or poll clerk of the opposing party to appoint a new qualified inspector from the additional inspector list in the case of the absence of any appointed member of the same party. Section 3 subdivision 3 requires that if there is a vacancy or an absence of a inspector or poll clerk, the inspectors present shall appoint qualified poll clerks from the inspector list pursuant until the list is exhausted. Once the list is exhausted the inspector or poll clerks or clerks present shall appoint a qualified voter to fill the position. Section 3 subdivision 4 if there is an a vacancy or absence of a poll clerk, any poll clerk of the same party shall appoint qualified poll clerks from the additional inspector list. Should the list be exhausted the inspectors or poll clerks present shall appoint a qualified voter of the same party.

Section 4 contains the effective date.

Justification

In order to fill election inspector, poll clerk and election coordinator vacancies, the additional inspector list shall be used. The Additional Inspector list is comprised of persons qualified to serve as election inspectors. This list should be used by the corresponding authority unless there is an absence in which case the next position should appoint the new figure.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This bill would take effect immediately.