What's happening
This bill would require all eligible New Yorkers to vote in general elections or face a $10 fine, with exceptions for valid excuses.
Why it matters
Mandates active participation in democracy. By requiring all eligible voters to return a ballot in general elections, the bill aims to increase civic engagement and ensure that election results better reflect the will of the entire population, not just those who choose to vote voluntarily.
Allows for protest or non-choice. The law does not force voters to select a candidate or issue; it only requires returning a ballot. This means voters may submit a blank or spoiled ballot if they do not wish to endorse any option, preserving individual choice and protest.
Imposes a modest financial penalty with waivers for valid excuses. The $10 fine for non-participation is relatively low, but the law provides for waivers if a person can demonstrate a valid excuse (such as illness or hardship), reducing the risk of undue burden on those unable to vote.
Directs fines to election improvements. Revenue from fines must be used specifically to enhance the election process, potentially funding better voting infrastructure, accessibility improvements, or voter education efforts—thus reinvesting in a stronger democracy.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Require All Voters to Vote
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
1 Co-sponsor
History
- Referred to election law
- Referred to election law
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
1096
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 14, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. GLICK, SIMON -- read once and referred to the Committee on Election Law
AN ACT to amend the election law, in relation to establishing compulsory voting in this state
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 5-100 of the election law, as amended by chapter 373 of the laws of 1978, is amended to read as follows:
§ 5-100. Registration; required. 1. A person shall not be entitled to vote in any election held pursuant to this chapter unless he shall be registered, and if required, enrolled pursuant to the provisions of this article unless he shall present a court order directing that he be permitted to vote at such election.
2. All persons eligible to vote or who will be eligible by the date of a general election, not including a primary or school district election, shall register before the date specified under section 5-210 of this article.
3. Where a specific provision of law relating to the registration of voters exists in any other statute, which is inconsistent with the provisions of this article, such provision shall apply and the provisions of this article not inconsistent therewith shall apply.
§ 2. The election law is amended by adding a new section 8-310 to read as follows:
§ 8-310. Voting; required. 1. All eligible voters shall vote at each election in person or by absentee ballot; provided however that the requirement to vote shall not apply to a primary or school board election.
2. The sole duty imposed under this section shall be to return a ballot. No person shall be compelled to cast a valid vote.
3. An eligible voter who fails to cast a ballot shall be subject to a ten dollar fine. The state board of elections may waive the fine for any
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD05680-01-9
A. 1096 2
person who submits timely proof of a valid excuse. Any funds recovered pursuant to this section shall be utilized for the improvement of the election process.
§ 3. The state board of elections shall promulgate such rules and regulations as it deems appropriate to carry out the purposes of this act. Such rules and regulations may include, but are not limited to, a process for waiving the fine in the event of a valid excuse, and what constitutes a valid excuse.
§ 4. This act shall take effect immediately.
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.