What's happening
This bill allows New York City and counties to decide who can vote in local elections, without requiring a public referendum.
Why it matters
Empowers local governments (NYC and counties) to define who can vote in their own local elections. , potentially allowing non-citizens, younger residents, or other groups to participate, depending on local decisions—this could reshape local political landscapes and priorities.
Removes the requirement for a public referendum before changing local voting eligibility. , making it easier and faster for local governing bodies to expand or restrict the local electorate without direct voter approval.
Applies only to local elections and must comply with existing federal and state laws. , so it does not affect state or federal election rules, but could create a patchwork of different voting rights across New York State, possibly raising questions of consistency and fairness.
Could increase civic engagement among residents traditionally excluded from voting. , such as immigrants or younger people, by allowing localities to be more inclusive if they choose—potentially impacting community representation, public policy, and resource allocation.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Let Cities Expand Local Voting
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
2 Co-sponsors
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
100
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY (Prefiled)
January 9, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. PERRY, COOK, WEPRIN -- read once and referred to the Committee on Election Law
AN ACT to amend the election law, in relation to authorizing cities with populations of more than one million persons and counties to enact a resolution, ordinance or regulation or adopt a local law, without referendum authorizing counties and certain cities to determine the classes of persons eligible to vote in local elections
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "New York Right to Vote Act".
§ 2. The election law is amended by adding a new section 5-108 to read as follows:
§ 5-108. Determination of qualified voters; local option. 1. A city having a population of more than one million persons or any county may enact a resolution, ordinance or regulation or may adopt, through its governing body, a local law, without referendum, authorizing the city or county, as applicable to determine the classes of persons who may vote in local elections in accordance with existing federal and state law and the provisions of this section.
2. The provisions of this section shall only apply to elections conducted (a) within the city of New York; and (b) within any other political subdivision of this state where a local law, ordinance or resolution, permitting elections to be conducted therein pursuant to the provisions of this section has been duly enacted or adopted.
3. A person who, pursuant to the provisions of this section, is qualified may register with the board of elections of his or her county of residence and vote in a local election.
§ 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD02621-01-9
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.