What's happening
This bill requires absentee ballots to be available in Braille and large-print formats for blind or visually impaired voters upon request.
Why it matters
Expands voting accessibility for blind and visually impaired voters. , allowing them to independently participate in elections by requesting Braille or large-print absentee ballots—reducing reliance on others and helping to preserve ballot privacy.
Sets clear standards for ballot formats. , specifying “grade two Braille” and a minimum 18-point font for large-print ballots, which ensures consistency and usability for voters who need these accommodations.
Requires collaboration with disability advocacy organizations. in both the creation and proofreading of accessible ballots, which should help ensure accuracy, usability, and that the needs of the visually impaired community are met.
Mandates advance notice (at least 30 days prior to an election). for requesting accessible ballots, which could be a barrier for some but also allows election boards time to prepare and distribute ballots effectively.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Braille Ballots for Absentee Voters
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
10 Co-sponsors
2 Multi-sponsors
History
- Referred to election law
- Referred to election law
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Braille Absentee Ballots Required
In Assembly Committee · Election Law · Sponsor Toby Ann Stavisky
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
4247
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
February 1, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. WEPRIN, CUSICK, COLTON, ENGLEBRIGHT, ORTIZ, ZEBROWSKI, CAHILL, LAVINE, VANEL, MOSLEY, SIMON -- Multi-Sponsored by -- M. of A. GLICK, PERRY -- read once and referred to the Committee on Election Law
AN ACT to amend the election law and the education law, in relation to making absentee ballots available in Braille and large-print
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The election law is amended by adding a new section 7-107 to read as follows:
§ 7-107. Absentee ballots in Braille and large-print to be made available. 1. Absentee ballots printed in Braille and large-print shall be made available upon the request of any registered voter who is blind or visually impaired. Persons wishing to receive Braille or large-print absentee ballots must give notice thereof to the board of elections no less than thirty days prior to each election day to enable the board to prepare and distribute such ballots.
2. The state board of elections shall promulgate rules for the preparation, distribution, casting, and canvass of Braille and large-print absentee ballots. The state board of elections shall develop the initial format for both Braille and large-print ballots in consultation with at least three New York state organizations with expertise in the field of advocacy for people with disabilities and such other appropriate persons, groups, entities or organizations as the state board of elections shall determine. For the purpose of this section, "Braille" refers to grade two Braille and "large-print" refers to a font of eighteen point or larger. Upon the printing of a Braille ballot, the board of elections shall require such Braille ballot to be proofread by a qualified Braille reader. The state board of elections shall establish the minimum qualifications for a Braille ballot proofreader in consultation with at least three New York state organizations with expertise in
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD07402-01-9
A. 4247 2
the field of advocacy for people with disabilities and such other appropriate persons, groups, entities or organizations as such board shall determine.
§ 2. The education law is amended by adding a new section 2022-a to read as follows:
§ 2022-a. Ballots in Braille and large-print to be made available. 1. Absentee ballots printed in Braille and large-print shall be made available upon the request of any registered voter who is blind or visually impaired. Persons wishing to receive Braille and large-print absentee ballots must give notice thereof no less than thirty days prior to each election day to enable preparation and distribution of such ballots.
2. The commissioner, in consultation with the state board of elections, shall promulgate rules for the preparation, distribution, casting, and canvass of Braille and large-print absentee ballots. The department shall develop the initial format for both Braille and largeprint ballots in consultation with at least three New York state organizations with expertise in the field of advocacy for people with disabilities and such other appropriate persons, groups, entities or organizations as such board shall determine. For the purposes of this section, "Braille" refers to grade two Braille and "large-print" refers to a font of eighteen point or larger. Upon the printing of a Braille ballot, such Braille ballot shall be proofread by a qualified Braille reader. The department shall establish the minimum qualifications for a Braille ballot proofreader in consultation with the state board of elections and at least three New York state organizations with expertise in the field of advocacy for people with disabilities and such other appropriate persons, groups, entities or organizations as such department shall determine.
§ 3. This act shall take effect on the first of December next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law. Effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized to be made on or before such effective date.
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.