What's happening
This bill requires election officials to provide newly registered voters written notice explaining closed primary rules and party affiliation deadlines.
Why it matters
Helps prevent confusion and disenfranchisement. among new voters by ensuring they receive clear information on how New York’s closed primary system works, which can be confusing for those unfamiliar with party-based voting restrictions.
Encourages more informed participation. by letting newly registered voters know when and how to choose or change their party affiliation, so they don’t miss crucial deadlines if they want to vote in primary elections.
Promotes transparency and trust. in the electoral process by mandating direct communication from election officials about rules that often catch new voters off guard, especially those who may assume they can vote in any primary regardless of party.
Targets a key moment of voter engagement. (the act of registering) to deliver essential information, increasing the likelihood that new voters will actually see and understand these rules, rather than having to seek them out on their own.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Notify Voters of Primary Rules
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
Assembly Member · Assembly District 127
No co-sponsors yet.
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
554
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY (Prefiled)
January 9, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. STIRPE -- read once and referred to the Committee on Election Law
AN ACT to amend the election law, in relation to providing written notice of closed primary party rules to newly registered voters
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Section 1-104 of the election law is amended by adding two new subdivisions 38 and 39 to read as follows:
38. The term "newly registered voter" means any person in the state of New York who has registered to vote after the effective date of this subdivision.
39. The term "written notice" means a statement from the commissioner of the state board of elections.
§ 2. Section 3-102 of the election law is amended by adding a new subdivision 16-b to read as follows:
16-b. provide to newly registered voters, in a timely manner, an explanation as to what a closed primary election is, how party affiliation is related to said closed primary, and dates for which they need to enroll in a party, if necessary.
§ 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD00458-01-9
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.