Relates to creating the "modernized voter registration act of New York"; modernizes voter registration, promotes access to voting for individuals with disabilities

Amends the election law by adding a new section that will automate the voter registration process at government agencies required to offer voter registration services, and allows the board of elections to designate additional state agencies to serve as sources for voter registration;

Amends the election law by adding a new section that will allow for same day voter registration. Each county shall allow for individual eligible voters on the day of an election and on any day when voting, including early voting, to register to vote in such election at the polling pace and to cast a vote in such election;

Amends the election law to require the state board of elections to ensure that services are made available to the public for voter registration on public websites of stale and local government agencies. Services shall include online voter registration applications, online assistance, online submission, and online receipt;

Amends the election law to require the state board of elections to make certain updating registration information available to voters via the Internet and to provide for voter registration or registration updates over the Internet.

Justification

Modernizing the voter registration system will increase the efficiency of voter registration for the State and its constituent governmental units, save hundreds of thousands of dollars each year, increase the completeness and accuracy of the statewide voter registration list, prevent erroneous disenfranchisement of eligible citizens, promote greater participation of eligible voters in elections, and reduce the incidence of voter registration fraud and voting fraud.

New York's paper-based voter registration system is inefficient, error prone, and unjustifiably costly. A modern voter registration system that electronically transmits voter registration information will reduce costs involved in processing voter registrations and maintaining complete and accurate voter registration lists. Other states that have implemented similar programs have experienced significant cost savings.

In eliminating reliance on paper, a modern voter registration system will reduce the number of duplicate or outdated registration records and ensure that fewer eligible voters are left off the voter rolls or are registered at incorrect or former addresses. A modern voter registration system will also reduce the inaccuracy and disenfranchisement that occurs because of human error. By reducing the administrative burdens presently involved in ensuring that a voter's current and accurate information is included on the statewide voter registration list, a modern voter registration system promotes greater participation of eligible voters in elections.

Modernizing the voter registration system will increase voter registration and participation, while also increasing the accuracy of the voter registration list, thus reducing the opportunities for fraud.

Legislative history

A new bill.

Fiscal implications

Projected cost savings from a decrease in costs required to administer voter registration, in an amount to be determined.

Local fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.