What's happening
This bill prohibits New York school districts from asking invasive questions on absentee ballot applications for school-related elections.
Why it matters
Protects voter privacy. By removing requirements for applicants to explain or justify their absence, the bill enhances privacy and protects sensitive personal information for anyone requesting an absentee ballot for school elections.
Reduces barriers to voting. Simplifying the absentee ballot application process makes it easier for eligible voters—including students, workers, or those traveling—to participate in school district elections without feeling scrutinized or discouraged.
Prevents unnecessary data collection. School districts will no longer gather or store details about voters’ travel plans, work or study obligations, reducing the risk of misuse or accidental disclosure of personal data.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Protect Voter Privacy Absentee Ballots
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
1 Co-sponsor
History
- Referred to education
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
11166
IN ASSEMBLY
June 12, 2018
Introduced by COMMITTEE ON RULES -- (at request of M. of A. Montesano) -- read once and referred to the Committee on Education
AN ACT to amend the education law, in relation to prohibiting school districts from asking invasive questions when a voter requests an absentee ballot for school related elections and votes
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Paragraph b of subdivision 2 of section 2018-a of the education law, as amended by chapter 136 of the laws of 1991, is amended to read as follows:
b. [(1) Where such duties, occupation, business, or studies are of such a nature as ordinarily to require such absence, a brief description of such duties, occupation, business, or studies shall be set forth in such application. (2) Where such duties, occupation, business, or studies are not of such a nature as ordinarily to require such absence, such application shall contain a statement of the special circumstances on account of which such absence is required] No application for an absentee ballot shall require the applicant to divulge the destination, duration, or reason for their vacation, occupation or business related travel, or study related absence from the district.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD16255-01-8
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.