Relates to clarifying that the signature of a voter signing a later nominating petition shall be counted when a prior petition is invalid

BILL NUMBER:S5562

Title of bill

An act to amend the election law, in relation to clarifying that the signature of a voter signing a later nominating petition shall be count- ed when a prior petition is invalid

Purpose

To clarify that the name of a person signing a later nominating petition shall be counted when a prior petition is invalid

Summary of provisions

Section 1. Amends subdivision one of section 6-138 of the election law, as amended by chapter 709 of the laws of 1996, to add that if a prior designating or nominating petition is found to be invalid the signature of the voter signing the later nominating petition shall be counted.

Section 2. Sets the immediate effective date

Justification

Currently, if a qualified individual signs a petition for a particular office and for any reason that petition is invalidated, that individ- ual's signature on a subsequent independent nominating petition may be ruled invalid. This bill would ensure that the signature of a qualified individual on an independent nominating petition would be ruled valid if said voter had previously signed a petition that had been ruled invalid. The goal of this bill is to protect the integrity of the process and the rights of the voter by ensuring that a signature on a prior petition that has been invalidated would not limit the rights of a voter to sign a subsequent independent nominating petition for a candidate of their choice.

Legislative history

New bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.