What's happening
The bill allows voters not enrolled in any party to vote in one party's presidential primary of their choice in New York.
Why it matters
Increases voter participation and representation. By allowing undeclared voters to choose a party primary on election day, the bill could broaden participation in the presidential selection process, potentially making the outcome more reflective of the wider electorate.
Reduces barriers and last-minute party switches. Currently, New York’s closed primary system requires voters to declare a party affiliation well in advance; this bill would remove that hurdle for presidential primaries, giving voters greater flexibility and reducing the need for strategic party enrollment changes.
Could impact party strategy and candidate appeal. With a new pool of independents able to participate, parties and candidates may adjust their platforms or outreach to appeal to a broader array of voters, potentially influencing which types of candidates gain traction.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Let Independents Vote Primaries
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to election law
- Referred to election law
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
7311
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
April 21, 2017
Introduced by M. of A. THIELE -- read once and referred to the Committee on Election Law
AN ACT to amend the election law, in relation to permitting persons registered to vote but not enrolled in a party to vote in the presidential primary
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 1-104 of the election law is amended by adding a new subdivision 38 to read as follows:
38. The term "undeclared voter" means a person registered to vote and who is not enrolled in a party pursuant to article five of this chapter.
§ 2. The election law is amended by adding a new section 2-123 to read as follows:
§ 2-123. Open presidential primaries. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, after the effective date of this section, an undeclared voter shall be permitted to vote in the presidential primary of any party. Such undeclared voter may only vote in the presidential primary of one party. Such undeclared voter shall select the party in which the voter wishes to cast such a ballot on the day of the presidential primary at the polling place of the undeclared voter at the time such voter seeks to cast a ballot.
§ 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD11055-01-7
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.