What's happening
This bill requires New York to provide an electronic system for voters to apply for absentee ballots online.
Why it matters
Expands ballot access. By allowing voters to apply for absentee ballots electronically, the bill removes barriers for those who may have difficulty obtaining or submitting paper forms, such as people with disabilities, limited mobility, or those living far from election offices.
Modernizes election infrastructure. The required electronic system represents an investment in New York’s election technology, potentially paving the way for further modernization and increased efficiency in election administration.
Potential for increased voter participation. Easier access to absentee ballot applications could lead to higher absentee voting rates, making it more convenient for citizens with busy schedules, travel, or health concerns to participate in elections.
Emphasizes security and verification. The bill mandates that the electronic system use verifying information to ensure only eligible voters can request absentee ballot applications, addressing concerns about security and fraud in the absentee voting process.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Apply Absentee Ballots Online
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to elections
- Referred to elections
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
1516
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 10, 2017
Introduced by Sen. AVELLA -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Elections
AN ACT to amend the election law, in relation to an electronic absentee ballot
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The opening paragraph of subdivision 2 of section 8-400 of the election law, as amended by chapter 216 of the laws of 1988, is amended and a new paragraph (e) is added to read as follows:
A qualified voter desiring to vote at such election as an absentee voter for any reason specified in subdivision one hereof must make application for an absentee ballot on a form to be obtained and filed as provided herein or by letter as provided in [paragraph] paragraphs (d) and (e) of this subdivision.
(e) The board of elections shall provide a system through which an absentee ballot application can be electronically transmitted to any qualified voter eligible for such ballot. The system shall require the applicant to enter verifying information to obtain the absentee ballot application. Once such information has been verified, the form of application for submission as defined in this chapter will be electronically transferred to the applicant. The applicant can thereafter electronically transfer the form of application to the board of elections through the system.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD01202-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the election law, in relation to an electronic absentee ballot
Purpose or general idea of bill
To increase voter participation in the election process by allowing voters to use electronic means to obtain absentee ballot applications.
Summary of provisions
Section 2(e) amends § 8-400 of the election law by requiring by requiring that the Board of Elections provide a system through which an absentee ballot application can be electronically transmitted to a qualified voter.
Justification
Many New Yorkers are disenfranchised because of the immense absentee ballot applications backlog facing the Board of Elections. Currently, there is no electronic means by which a voter can request an absentee ballot application. Providing such a system will help alleviate the backlog and provide easier access to applications for New Yorkers.
Prior legislative history
2015-16: S6534; A295 (Abinanti) 2013-14: A1463(Abinanti) 2011-12: A8578 (Abinanti) 2010-11: A1227 (Abinanti) 2009-10: A7012 (Abinanti)
Fiscal implications for state and local governments
Minimal to create electronic transmittal system. Cost savings to be realized from not having to pay for postage for mailing of applications.
Effective date
Immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.