What's happening
This bill requires election day workers to arrive at poll sites and receive voting system keys at least one hour before polls open.
Why it matters
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Who cares
Headline styles
Require Earlier Poll Worker Arrival
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
Senator · Senate District 14
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to elections
- 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.
Earlier Arrival for Poll Workers
Assembly Floor Calendar · Sponsor Michael Blake
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
2401
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 24, 2019
Introduced by Sen. COMRIE -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Elections
AN ACT to amend the election law, in relation to the time election day workers must be at poll sites to prepare for the opening of polls, including receiving voting system keys and other ancillary election day supplies
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The opening paragraph of subdivision 1 and subdivision 2 of section 8-102 of the election law, as amended by chapter 164 of the laws of 2010, are amended to read as follows:
The inspectors of election, and clerks, if any, shall meet at the polling place at least [one-half] one hour before the time set for opening the polls of election. The inspectors of election shall:
2. The keys to the ballot scanner and ballot marking device shall be delivered to the inspectors at least [one-half] one hour before the time set for the opening of the polls, in a sealed envelope, on which shall be written or printed the ballot scanner or ballot marking device serial number and location of the polling place, as reported by the voting machine custodian. The envelope containing the keys shall not be opened until at least one inspector from each of the two parties shall be present in the polling place and shall have examined the envelope to see that it has not been opened. Before opening the envelope, such election inspectors present shall examine the serial number on the machine, and shall see if they are the same as the numbers written on the envelope containing the keys. If found not to agree, the envelope must not be opened until the voting machine custodian, or other authorized person, shall have been notified and shall have arrived at the polling place for the purpose of re-examining such machine and shall certify that it is properly arranged. If the serial number on the machine is found to agree with the number on the envelope, the inspectors, except as hereinafter
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD08676-01-9
S. 2401 2
provided, shall turn on the machine. The inspectors shall carefully examine the printed record produced by the machine to see that each counter registers zero, and shall allow watchers to examine the printed record. The inspectors shall then sign a certificate showing the delivery of the keys in a sealed envelope, the serial number on the machine, the number registered on the protective counter, that all the counters are set at zero and that the public counter is set at zero. The machine shall remain secured against voting until the polls are formally opened and shall not be operated except by voters when voting or by election officials upon the instructions of the board of elections. If any counter is found not to register zero, the inspectors of election shall immediately notify the board of elections.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the first of January next succeeding the date on which it shall have become a law.
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 the time election day workers must be at poll sites to prepare for the opening of polls, including receiving voting system keys and other ancillary election day supplies
Purpose or general idea of bill
To better serve the needs of voters by ensuring poll sites are fully operational by the time polls open on election day.
Summary of specific provisions
The bill amends 8-102 of the Election Law by deleting the word "half' from subdivisions 1 and 2 of Section 8-102 of the Election Law, provid- ing that election workers report to the polls at least one hour before the opening of the polls.
Justification
The one-half hour currently provided for in Election Law does not allow enough time for poll workers to complete all preparatory Election Day tasks and set-up and secure their voting systems for the timely opening of polls. Additionally, in instances where poll workers do appear at their assigned sites earlier than required to be more able to complete said tasks, they risk not being paid for the time they actually serve. Making the change to one hour helps ensure poll sites are ready to open on time and voters will not wait to vote due to a lack of readiness.
Prior legislative history
S8291 COMRIE Same as A9823 Blake A9823 Blake Same as S8291 COMRIE
Fiscal implications
Minimal.
Effective date
January 1 next succeeding passage.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.