What's happening
This bill requires boards of elections to post special election information online and share it with local governments for wider public access.
Why it matters
Enhances transparency and accessibility. By requiring special election details to be posted online and shared widely, the bill makes it easier for voters to find accurate, timely information, reducing confusion about when and where to vote.
Promotes civic engagement. Ensuring that local governments and community boards receive and disseminate special election information increases the likelihood that more residents are aware of upcoming elections, potentially boosting turnout.
Modernizes election communication. Mandating the use of websites, apps, and social platforms for notifications reflects current information consumption habits, helping reach younger and digitally-engaged voters who may not see traditional newspaper notices.
Reduces information disparities. By standardizing how and where special election details are distributed, the bill aims to ensure that information reaches a broader cross-section of the public, including those who might otherwise miss critical voting updates.
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Who cares
Boards of elections
They would have to prominently post special-election dates, hours, offices on the ballot and links to available polling-place information on their websites at least two weeks before the election.
Voters in special elections
They would gain a required online source for election timing, offices on the ballot and available polling-place links.
Local governments, municipalities and community boards
They would receive special-election information for publication on public-facing websites and digital platforms where practicable.
Headline styles
Notify Voters About Special Elections
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
4 Co-sponsors
History
- Signed chap.413
- Delivered to governor
- Returned to senate
- Passed assembly
- Ordered to third reading cal.377
- Substituted for A837A
- Referred to election law
- Delivered to assembly
- Passed senateVote 61–0
- Amended on third reading 211c
- Amended on third reading 211b
- Amended on third reading 211a
Show 4 earlier actions
- Advanced to third reading
- 2nd report cal.
- 1st report cal.370
- 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.
Notify Voters About Special Elections
Assembly Floor Calendar · Sponsor Linda Rosenthal
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
211--C Cal. No. 370
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE (Prefiled)
January 9, 2019
Introduced by Sens. BENJAMIN, CARLUCCI, GAUGHRAN, KAPLAN, SERRANO -read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Elections -- reported favorably from said committee, ordered to first and second report, ordered to a third reading, amended and ordered reprinted, retaining its place in the order of third reading -- again amended and ordered reprinted, retaining its place in the order of third reading -- again amended and ordered reprinted, retaining its place in the order of third reading
AN ACT to amend the election law, in relation to voter notification of special elections
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subdivision 1 of section 4-120 of the election law, as amended by chapter 359 of the laws of 1989, is amended to read as follows:
1. The board of elections shall publish once in each of the two weeks preceding a general election, or a special or village election conducted by the board of elections, a notice specifying the day of the election, and the public officers to be voted for within such county, or any part thereof at such election. The board of elections shall, as soon as practicable, but not less than two weeks prior to any special election, prominently display on its website the date and hours of the election, the offices to be voted on in the county, part of a county, or the city of New York, and a link to any poll site information or poll location tools, where available. Such information shall also be made available to local governments, municipalities, and community boards for publication on any public-facing internet website, web application, web domain or digital application, including a social network or search engine, to the extent that such publication is practicable. If constitutional amendments, or questions are to be submitted to the voters of the state,
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD01752-07-9
S. 211--C 2
the notice shall state that fact and that a copy of each such amendment or question may be obtained at the board of elections, by any voter. Such publication shall be in two newspapers published within the county. If the county contains a city or cities, at least one of such newspapers shall be published in the city, or the largest city, if there be more than one.
In the case of a village election, such publication shall be made in a newspaper of general circulation in such village and shall include an abstract of any proposition to be voted upon at such election.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
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 voter notification of special elections
Purpose
This bill would require the board of elections to provide additional notice and information to voters before a special election.
Summary of provisions
Section one amends section 4-120 (1) of the election law by to require boards of election to post as soon as practicable the date, time and offices to be voted on in a special election. The board of elections shall additionally include a link to poll site information or a poll site locater, wherever possible. Such information shall also be publicly disseminated to local governments, municipalities, and community boards for publication on any public-facing internet website, web application, web domain or digital application, including a social network or search engine, as far as practicable.
Section two sets forth the effective date (immediately).
Existing law
Currently, Boards of Elections only notify for primary and general elections.
Justification
Under current law, the board of elections must notify voters of any primary or general elections occurring in their district. However, there is very little requirement to notify eligible voters of any upcoming special elections, leaving many voters unaware and potentially decreas- ing voter turnout. Not only is this unfair to candidates who may be running in special elections, but it is detrimental to our electoral system as a whole.
This bill would increase voter awareness by ensuring the board of Elections provide additional information to eligible voters on the date, time, candidates, and poll site information prior to a special election.
Legislative history
2017-18: S.6933A/A.8393B
Fiscal implications
None
Local fiscal implications
None
Effective date
Immediately
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.