What's happening
This bill amends the state constitution to allow any qualified voter in New York to vote by mail for any reason.
Why it matters
Expands voter accessibility. By allowing any qualified voter to choose to vote by mail for any reason, this amendment removes limits that previously restricted mail-in voting to those who were absent from their county or physically unable to appear at the polls. This can make voting more accessible for people with unpredictable schedules, caretaking responsibilities, or other obstacles.
Potential impact on voter turnout. Making mail-in voting universally available could increase overall participation in elections, as it lowers barriers and offers greater flexibility for when and how people can vote.
Administrative and logistical implications. Election officials may need to adapt to higher volumes of mail-in ballots, requiring updates to systems for ballot distribution, verification, and counting, as well as efforts to maintain election security and integrity.
Equity and inclusion effects. This change could particularly benefit communities with historically lower in-person turnout, such as rural voters, people with disabilities, and those with limited access to polling places, potentially leading to a more representative electorate.
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Who cares
Qualified New York voters
The proposed constitutional amendment would allow the Legislature to authorize voting by mail by choice, rather than limiting eligibility to absence, illness or physical disability.
Voters with illnesses or physical disabilities
The proposal would replace the constitutional language specifically covering their inability to appear at polling places with broader language covering qualified voters who choose to vote by mail.
State legislators
The amendment would give them authority to set the manner, time and place for voting by mail through general law.
Headline styles
Allow Mail-In Voting for All
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
2 Co-sponsors
History
- Opinion referred to judiciary
- To attorney-general for opinion
- Referred to judiciary
- Opinion referred to judiciary
- To attorney-general for opinion
- Referred to judiciary
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
2653
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 17, 2017
Introduced by Sens. HAMILTON, COMRIE, KENNEDY, PERKINS -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Judiciary
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY proposing an amendment to section 2 of article 2 of the constitution, in relation to voting by mail
Section 1. Resolved (if the Assembly concur), That section 2 of article 2 of the constitution be amended to read as follows:
§ 2. The legislature may, by general law, provide a manner in which, and the time and place at which, qualified voters who, on the occurrence of any election, [may be absent from the county of their residence or, if residents of the city of New York, from the city, and qualified voters who, on the occurrence of any election, may be unable to appear personally at the polling place because of illness or physical disability, may vote and for the return and canvass of their votes] choose to vote by mail may do so.
§ 2. Resolved (if the Assembly concur), That the foregoing amendment be referred to the first regular legislative session convening after the next succeeding general election of members of the assembly, and, in conformity with section 1 of article 19 of the constitution, be published for 3 months previous to the time of such election.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD89005-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY proposing an amendment to section 2 of article 2 of the constitution, in relation to voting by mail
Purpose
Proposing an amendment to section 2 of article 2 of the constitution, in relation to voting by mail.
Summary of provisions
Section 1: The section 2 of article 2 of the constitution be amended to read as follows:
§ 2. The legislature may, by general law, provide a manner in which, and the time and place at which, qualified voters who, on the occurrence of any election, may be absent from the county of their residence, or if residents of the city of New York, from the city, and qualified voters who, on the occurrence of any election, may be unable to appear personally at the polling place because of illness or physical disability, may vote and for return and canvass of their votes can choose to vote by mail may do so.
§ 2. Resolved that the foregoing amendment be referred to the first regular legislative session convening after the next succeeding general election of members of the assembly, and, in conformity with section 1 of article 19 of the constitution, be published for 3 months prior to the time of such election.
Justification
"Vote By Mail" was implemented in Oregon when constituents from all walks of life: Republicans, Democrats, Independents, college students, senior citizens, community leaders and housewives collected 100,000 signatures to vote by mail. As a result, voter turnout increased. In addition, it saves the state money and is many voters enjoy the convenience of voting from home. New York States voter turnout has plummeted. New York, being one of the largest states, receives less than a third of the eligible population vote. New York's turnout is a shameful 28.8 percent, the fourth lowest in the county. Vote by Mail transcends the typical partisan battles seen so often in our initiative process because it is an idea that makes sense: it increases voter participation, saves money and makes democracy more convenient for everyone.
Prior legislative history
S.4353 of 2015-16 Legislative Session
Fiscal implications
To be determined.
Effective date
Resolved that the foregoing amendment be referred to first regular legislative session convening after the next succeeding general election of members of the assembly and, in conformity with section 1 of article 19 of the constitution, be published for 3 months before the time of such election.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.