What's happening
This bill prohibits election commissioners in New York from serving as chairs of political parties in their county.
Why it matters
Reduces potential conflicts of interest. by ensuring that those overseeing elections (election commissioners) are not also leading local political party organizations, which could influence how elections are administered.
Strengthens public trust in election integrity. by drawing a clearer line between partisan political activities and the nonpartisan responsibilities of election officials.
May lead to changes in local political dynamics. , as party chairs who serve as election commissioners will have to choose one role, potentially opening positions for new leaders and altering how party and election oversight interact at the county level.
Aligns New York with best practices recommended by election and ethics experts. , who often call for such separations to avoid real or perceived bias in election administration.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Ban Party Chairs as Commissioners
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
1 Multi-sponsor
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.
Bar Party Chairs from Elections
In Senate Committee · Elections · Sponsor David Carlucci
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
S. 3309 A. 4815
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
SENATE - ASSEMBLY
February 5, 2019
IN SENATE -- Introduced by Sen. CARLUCCI -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Elections
IN ASSEMBLY -- Introduced by M. of A. GALEF, ARROYO, LAWRENCE, STIRPE, WOERNER -- Multi-Sponsored by -- M. of A. SIMON -- read once and referred to the Committee on Election Law
AN ACT to amend the election law, in relation to prohibiting election commissioners from being chairs of political parties
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subdivision 4 of section 3-200 of the election law, as amended by chapter 195 of the laws of 2003, is amended to read as follows:
4. No person shall be appointed as election commissioner or continue to hold office who is not a registered voter in the county and not an enrolled member of the party recommending his or her appointment, or who is the chair of a political organization in such county or who holds any other public office, except that of commissioner of deeds, notary public, village officer, city or town justice, member of a community board within the city of New York or trustee or officer of a school district outside of a city.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD00246-01-9
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.