BILL NUMBER: S7268

SPONSOR: AVELLA
 
TITLE OF BILL:  CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY
proposing an amendment to section 2 of article 2 of the constitution, in
relation to eligibility for absentee voting

 
PURPOSE:

The purpose of this bill is to remove restrictions upon the legisla-
ture's power to regulate absentee voting. SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 of this bill amends section 2 of article 2 of the constitution
to remove the restrictions upon the legislature's power to regulate
absentee voting.

Section 2 of this bill states that the amendment be referred to the
first regular legislative session convening after the next succeeding
general election of members of the assembly, and in conformity with
section 1 of article 19 of the constitution, be published for three
months previous to the time of such election.

              

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Enactment of no-excuse absentee voting in New York would allow regis-
tered voters who find themselves unable to appear at their local poll
site on Election Day, regardless of the reason for their absence. These
reforms would allow New York to expand the franchise and making voting
more convenient for those who otherwise have difficulty doing so.

Many other states nationwide have instituted no-excuse absentee voting.
These states have more absentee voting than states that require an
excuse. Giving voters more flexibility in how they vote is an important
reform that New York can make to expand citizen engagement, and the
success of the practice in other states demonstrates the positive impact
this reform can have.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New Bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

To be determined.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This amendment shall be referred to the first regular legislative
session convening after the next succeeding general election of members
of the assembly, and in conformity with section 1 of article 19 of the
constitution, be published for three months previous to the time of such
election.