Declare Voter Registration Day

Senate Resolution No. 5893 BY: Senator COMRIE LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 25, 2018, as Voter Registration Day in the State of New York WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in proclaiming official days to increase awareness of concerns which affect all New Yorkers; and WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim Tuesday, September 25, 2018, as Voter Registration Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the observance of National Voter Registration Day; and WHEREAS, National Voter Registration Day is a holiday celebrating our democracy; it was first observed in 2012, and has been growing in popularity every year since; and WHEREAS, Held on the fourth Tuesday of September, National Voter Registration Day will be observed on Tuesday, September 25th this year; the holiday has been endorsed by the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS), and is further supported by the National Association of State Election Directors (NASED); and WHEREAS, Every year, millions of Americans find themselves unable to vote because they miss a registration deadline, do not update their registration, or are not sure how to register; National Voter Registration Day wants to make sure everyone has the opportunity to vote; and WHEREAS, On Tuesday, September 25, 2018, volunteers and organizations from all over the country will "hit the streets" in a single day of coordinated field, technology and media efforts; National Voter Registration Day seeks to create broad awareness of voter registration opportunities to reach tens of thousands of voters who may not register otherwise; and WHEREAS, Since its inception, National Voter Registration Day has made numerous accomplishments; in 2016, over 750,000 people registered to vote across all 50 states, and each year, the growing number of local partners engage upwards to 10,000 local volunteers; and WHEREAS, Millions of voters need to register and re-register every year; by utilizing new technology and leveraging partners, National Voter Registration Day will educate Americans in all 50 states about how to register, sign up for election reminders, check their registration online, get mail ballots, learn about early voting and more; and WHEREAS, National Voter Registration Day is a day of civic unity; it is an opportunity to set aside differences and celebrate democracy and the rights and opportunities we all share as Americans; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim September 25, 2018, as Voter Registration Day in the State of New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York.