What's happening
The bill allows victims of domestic violence to request and receive special ballots by mail, expanding their voting options.
Why it matters
Expands access and privacy for domestic violence victims. By allowing victims to request special ballots by mail, the bill helps ensure that individuals who have fled their homes for safety are still able to vote without risking their location or security.
Addresses logistical barriers. Victims who may be unable to appear in person at the board of elections due to safety concerns, lack of transportation, or other disruptions caused by domestic violence can now participate in elections more easily.
Aligns special ballot process with absentee voting. The bill standardizes the timeframes and procedures for casting special ballots by mail, making the process familiar and accessible, and reducing confusion or administrative hurdles for both voters and election officials.
Potentially increases voter participation among a vulnerable group. By reducing obstacles and enhancing confidentiality, the bill encourages civic engagement and upholds voting rights for individuals facing significant personal hardship.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Mail Ballots for Abuse Victims
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
10 Co-sponsors
3 Multi-sponsors
History
- Referred to elections
- Delivered to senate
- Passed assembly
- Ordered to third reading cal.492
- Returned to assembly
- Died in senate
- Referred to rules
- Delivered to senate
- Passed assembly
- Advanced to third reading cal.358
- Reported
- Referred to election law
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Mail Ballots to Abuse Victims
In Senate Committee · Elections · Sponsor Diane J. Savino
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
7009
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
March 29, 2017
Introduced by M. of A. PAULIN, BLAKE, DINOWITZ, GALEF, JAFFEE, M. G. MILLER, ROSENTHAL, ZEBROWSKI, CROUCH, RAIA -- Multi-Sponsored by -- M. of A. ABBATE, ENGLEBRIGHT, HEVESI -- read once and referred to the Committee on Election Law
AN ACT to amend the election law, in relation to mailing special ballots for victims of domestic violence
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subdivision 1 of section 11-306 of the election law, as amended by chapter 163 of the laws of 2010, is amended to read as follows:
1. A voter may deliver to the board of elections, in person or by mail, at any time during the period in which absentee ballot applications may be delivered, a signed written statement swearing or affirming:
(a) that he or she is the victim of domestic violence;
(b) that he or she has left his or her residence because of such violence; and
(c) that because of the threat of physical or emotional harm to himself or herself or to family or household members, he or she wishes to cast a special ballot in the next election. The statement must include the voter's address of registration. The board of elections shall mail a special ballot to every qualified voter eligible for such a ballot who requests to cast such ballot by mail, whose statement is received by the board of elections not earlier than the thirtieth day nor later than the seventh day before the election for which the ballot is requested and which states the address to which the ballot is to be mailed. The board of elections shall permit such a voter to cast a special ballot at an office of such board of elections [not earlier than one week before the election and] not later than the close of the polls on election day, or by mail within the same time and in the same manner
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD10727-02-7
A. 7009 2
in which absentee ballots may be cast. Such ballots shall be retained at the board of elections and cast and canvassed pursuant to the provisions of section 9-209 of this chapter.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
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.