What's happening
This bill allows registered voters not enrolled in a party to vote in one party's presidential primary of their choice.
Why it matters
Increases voter participation. By allowing undeclared voters to participate in presidential primaries, this bill could lead to higher turnout and a broader representation of public opinion in the candidate selection process.
Shifts party influence dynamics. Parties may need to adjust their strategies, as candidates could appeal to a wider pool of voters, not just party loyalists, potentially changing the types of candidates who win primaries.
Empowers independent voters. The bill gives more political influence to New York’s large group of unaffiliated voters, who are currently excluded from a key stage of the democratic process, allowing their voices to be heard in presidential nominations.
Could affect general election outcomes. The changes may result in nominees who are more centrist or broadly appealing, potentially impacting how competitive New York is in presidential elections and which issues are prioritized.
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Who cares
Registered voters not enrolled in a party
They could choose any party’s presidential primary at their polling place on primary day, but could vote in only one party’s primary.
Political parties
Their presidential primaries would be open to registered voters who are not enrolled in any party.
Election officials and poll workers
They would need to accommodate undeclared voters’ party selections at polling places and enforce the one-party-primary limit.
Headline styles
Let Independents Vote Primaries
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
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
7930
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
May 28, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. THIELE -- read once and referred to the Committee on Election Law
AN ACT to amend the election law, in relation to permitting persons registered to vote but not enrolled in a party to vote in the presidential primary
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 a new subdivision 39 to read as follows:
39. The term "undeclared voter" means a person registered to vote and who is not enrolled in a party pursuant to article five of this chapter.
§ 2. The election law is amended by adding a new section 2-123 to read as follows:
§ 2-123. Open presidential primaries. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, after the effective date of this section, an undeclared voter shall be permitted to vote in the presidential primary of any party. Such undeclared voter may only vote in the presidential primary of one party. Such undeclared voter shall select the party in which the voter wishes to cast such a ballot on the day of the presidential primary at the polling place of the undeclared voter at the time such voter seeks to cast a ballot.
§ 3. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD11619-01-9
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.