What's happening
This bill allows voters to provide an email address on registration forms to receive election notices by email in addition to postal mail.
Why it matters
Increases voter choice and convenience. By allowing voters to opt-in for email notifications, the bill gives individuals more flexibility in how they receive important election information, accommodating those who prefer digital communication.
Potential for improved voter engagement and turnout. Email notifications may be more immediate and harder to overlook than postal mail, which could help voters stay informed about elections, deadlines, and other critical updates, possibly leading to higher participation.
Maintains traditional mail as a backup. The bill ensures that even if a voter provides an email address, they will still receive notices by postal mail, reducing the risk of missing information due to technical issues or outdated email addresses.
Could signal a shift toward modernization of election administration. This legislation represents a step toward digital communication in government processes, which may pave the way for further digital enhancements and efficiencies in election systems over time.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Optional Email for Voters
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
Senator · Senate District 38
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Substituted by A1565
- Ordered to third reading cal.1126
- Committee discharged and committed to rules
- Reported and committed to finance
- Referred to elections
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.
Add Email to Voter Forms
Signed by Governor · Sponsor Sandy Galef
Full text
3 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
S. 1718 A. 1565
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
SENATE - ASSEMBLY
January 15, 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, PEOPLES-STOKES, PAULIN, DINOWITZ, ARROYO, JAFFEE, WEPRIN, ABINANTI, SIMON, ORTIZ, NIOU, STECK, WRIGHT, MOSLEY, KOLB, GIGLIO, ASHBY -- Multi-Sponsored by -- M. of A. CAHILL, COLTON, DE LA ROSA, FINCH, GOTTFRIED, LENTOL, McDONOUGH, B. MILLER, M. L. MILLER, THIELE -- read once and referred to the Committee on Election Law
AN ACT to amend the election law, in relation to including e-mail addresses in voter registration data
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Paragraphs (k) and (l) of subdivision 5 of section 5-210 of the election law, as amended by chapter 179 of the laws of 2005, subparagraph (xii) of paragraph (k) as added by chapter 362 of the laws of 2008, are amended to read as follows:
(k) The form shall also include space for the following information, which must be contained on the inside of the form after it is folded for mailing:
(i) A space for the applicant to indicate whether or not he or she has ever voted or registered to vote before and, if so, the approximate year in which such applicant last voted or registered and his or her name and address at the time.
(ii) The name and residence address of the applicant including the zip code and apartment number, if any.
(iii) A space for the furnishing of an e-mail address, the furnishing of which shall be optional, together with a notice stating that if an e-mail address is furnished, all notices and communications otherwise required to be sent by the state board of elections to the voter by
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD00238-01-9
S. 1718 2 A. 1565
postal mail shall be sent by e-mail in addition to postal mail. County boards of elections and the board of elections of the city of New York shall have the option of sending notices and communications otherwise required to be sent to the voter by postal mail by e-mail in addition to postal mail if the voter furnishes an email address.
(iv) The date of birth of the applicant.
[(iv)] (v) A space for the applicant to indicate his or her driver's license or department of motor vehicles non-driver photo ID number or the last four digits of his or her social security number or, if the applicant does not have either such number, a space for the applicant to indicate he or she does not have either.
[(v)] (vi) A space for the applicant to indicate whether or not he or she is a citizen of the United States and the statement "If you checked "no" in response to this question, do not complete this form."
[(vi)] (vii) A space for the applicant to answer the question "Will you be 18 years of age on or before election day?" and the statement "If you checked "no" in response to this question, do not complete this form unless you will be 18 by the end of the year."
[(vii)] (viii) A statement informing the applicant that if the form is submitted by mail and the applicant is registering for the first time, certain information or documents must be submitted with the mail-in registration form in order to avoid additional identification requirements upon voting for the first time. Such information and documents are:
(A) a driver's license or department of motor vehicles non-driver photo ID number; or
(B) the last four digits of the individual's social security number; or
(C) a copy of a current and valid photo identification; or
(D) a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other government document that shows the name and address of the voter.
[(viii)] (ix) The gender of the applicant (optional).
[(ix)] (x) A space for the applicant to indicate his or her choice of party enrollment, with a clear alternative provided for the applicant to decline to affiliate with any party.
[(x)] (xi) The telephone number of the applicant (optional).
[(xi)] (xii) A place for the applicant to execute the form on a line which is clearly labeled "signature of applicant" preceded by the following specific form of affirmation:
AFFIDAVIT: I swear or affirm that:
* I am a citizen of the United States.
* I will have lived in the county, city, or village for at least 30
days before the election.
* I meet all the requirements to register to vote in New York
State.
* This is my signature or mark on the line below.
* All the information contained on this application is true. I
understand that if it is not true I can be convicted and fined up
to $5,000 and/or jailed for up to four years. which form of affirmation shall be followed by a space for the date and the aforementioned line for the applicant's signature.
[(xii)] (xiii) A space for the applicant to register in the New York state donate life registry for organ and tissue donations established pursuant to section forty-three hundred ten of the public health law.
S. 1718 3 A. 1565
(l) The mail voter registration application form developed by the federal election commission pursuant to the provisions of section nine of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 42 USC 1973gg-7 shall be deemed to meet the requirements of this section. Any application for registration received on such an application form shall be accepted if the applicant is otherwise eligible to register to vote pursuant to the provisions of this article. A voter whose registration is accepted pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph shall be permitted to furnish an e-mail address to the board of elections, which furnishing shall carry the same notice and have the same effect as provided by subparagraph (iii) of paragraph (k) of this subdivision.
§ 2. Paragraph d of subdivision 4 of section 5-500 of the election law, as amended by chapter 659 of the laws of 1994, is amended to read as follows:
d. The residence address at which the voter claims to reside and post office address, if not the same; and the number or designation of the room, apartment, or floor occupied by the voter if he or she does not claim the entire building as his or her residence; and in addition, space for the furnishing of an e-mail address, the furnishing of which shall be optional, together with a notice stating that if an e-mail address is furnished, all notices and communications otherwise required to be sent by the state board of elections to the voter by postal mail shall be sent by e-mail in addition to postal mail. County boards of elections and the board of elections of the city of New York shall have the option of sending notices and communications otherwise required to be sent to the voter by postal mail by e-mail in addition to postal mail if the voter furnishes an e-mail address;
§ 3. This act shall take effect one year after it shall have become a law; provided that the state board of elections is authorized to promulgate any and all rules and regulations and take any other measures necessary to implement this act on its effective date on or before such date.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the election law, in relation to including e-mail addresses in voter registration data
Purpose or general idea of bill
The purpose of this legislation is to give voters the option of provid- ing their e-mail addresses when registering to vote and to require that the New York State Board of Elections send all official communications to a person via regular mail and e-mail if the person provides their e-mail address when registering to vote.
Summary of provisions
Section 1. Establishes a space for the furnishing of an e-mail address, the furnishing of which shall be optional, together with a notice stat- ing that if an e-mail address is furnished, all notices and communi- cations otherwise required to be sent by the state board of elections to the voter by postal mail shall be sent by e-mail in addition to postal mail. County boards of elections and the board of elections of the city of New York shall have the option of sending notices and communication otherwise required to be sent to the voter by postal mail by e-mail in addition to postal mail if the vote furnishes an email address. It also adds the language that a voter whose registration is accepted pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph shall be permitted to furnish an e-mail address to the board of elections, which furnishing shall carry the same notice and have the same effect as provided by subparagraph (iii) of paragraph (k) of this subdivision.
Read the full memo (625 words)
Section 2. Paragraph d of subdivision 4 of section 5-500 of the Election Law is amended by adding the following language: In addition, space for the furnishing of an e-mail address, the furnishing of which shall be optional, together with a notice stating that if an e-mail address is furnished, all notices and communications otherwise required to be sent by the state board of elections to the voter by postal mail shall be sent by e-mail in addition to postal mail. County boards of elections and the board of elections of the city of New York shall have the option of sending notices and communications otherwise required to be sent to the voter by postal mail by e-mail in addition to postal mail if the voter furnishes an e-mail address.
Section 3. Establishes the effective date.
Difference between original and amended version (if applicable)
This portion is not applicable at this time.
Justification
At this time, many people rely as much on their e-mail as much as their postal mail to stay connected to the world. By providing an optional entry for e-mail addresses on voter registration forms, boards of elections will be able to reach voters via e-mail with all pertinent election information. Currently, those registering to vote in New York State do not have the ability to provide their e-mail addresses to the Board of Elections.
Prior legislative history
A. 1057 and S. 7754 of 2017/2018 A. 5858 and S. 1939 of 2013/2014 A. 4313 and S. 3252 of 2009/2010 A. 10428 and S. 7034 of 2005/2006 A. 5534-A and S. 7811-A of 2015/2016 A. 3590 and S. 1567 of 2011/2012 A. 5452 of 2007/2008
Fiscal implications for state and local governments
There may be some initial costs associated with the state and county board of elections developing and expanding their e-mail delivery and notification systems. In the long run, savings should be experienced.
Effective date
This act shall take effect one year after it shall have become a law; provided that the state board of elections is authorized to promulgate any and all rules and regulations and take any other measures necessary to implement this act on its effective date on or before such date.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.