New York State Senate Kicks Off 2025 Session With Package of Voting Rights Legislation

(Albany, NY) – This week, the New York State Senate, under the leadership of Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, advanced a comprehensive legislative package aimed at strengthening democracy and protecting voter rights. 

Among the bills passed in this landmark package is the Crimes of Voter Deception and Suppression Act, sponsored by Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins. This pivotal legislation prohibits deceptive practices and the suppression of voters while increasing penalties for violations of the elective franchise, furthering the aim of ensuring every New York voter’s voice is heard at the ballot box.

“Since I became Majority Leader in 2019, I’ve made it a tradition that our first legislative package each year advances the causes of democracy by safeguarding the rights of voters and making it easier for eligible New Yorkers to exercise their right to vote,” said Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins. “This package of bills helps protect our elections and supports the workers who make them happen. My bill fights against lies and voter suppression so every New Yorker can vote without fear or confusion. We’re also making voting easier and more secure through improved voter registration and training for election workers. These changes show our commitment to democracy and making sure everyone can vote in a fair and accessible system.”

This critical slate of bills includes the Democracy Preservation Act, which will safeguard New York’s state and local elections from foreign interference. By kicking off Session with these transformative policies, the Senate Democratic Majority reaffirms its commitment to pro-voter, anti-disenfranchisement, and pro-democracy initiatives. 

Additional measures were passed to further protect election workers, prevent voter disenfranchisement, implement “back-end” automatic voter registration, allow voters to register at a secondary residence, partner with agencies to promote voter registration, and establish a uniform training curriculum for election commissioners.

“During this time of such tumultuous history, with the democracy of all Americans at stake, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and the NYS delegation continue to show their commitment and dedication to leading the way, ensuring that the sanctity of voting rights are protected and that every available opportunity to participate in the electoral process is guaranteed in Westchester County,” said Tajian Nelson, Democratic Commissioner of the Westchester County Board of Elections. “This legislation will increase accessibility to free and fair elections ensuring there are no missed opportunities for residents to participate in the electoral process in our County. It provides not only protections for the voters in our county, but the County Board, and election workers as well by strengthening democracy and advancing voting rights.”

Susan Maggiotto, President of the Rivertowns League of Women Voters said, “The Rivertowns League of Women Voters applauds the New York State Senate for prioritizing voter rights as the 2025 legislative session opens. The nine bills passed by the NY Senate will benefit Westchester residents by expanding opportunities for registration and voting, ensuring election integrity, and providing additional support for our dedicated Board of Election workers. Allowing New York to join a multi-state voter list maintenance program is an important initiative to improve the accuracy of voter registration lists, particularly in this populous county. The Senate Election Reform and Voting Rights package coincides with League positions and we enthusiastically support it.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 15, 2025 | Contact: Gregory Totino, (914) 423-4031; totino@nysenate.gov