(Binghamton, N.Y.) Monday, Senator Webb and the Senate Democratic Majority advanced legislation to further strengthen New York’s democracy by protecting voters, safeguarding election workers, and modernizing our election system against interference and abuse. This legislative package cracks down on deceptive practices that suppress or intimidate voters by increasing penalties for violations of the elective franchise, ensuring that bad actors face real consequences. This package also includes moving New York’s primary to Super Tuesday, elevating New Yorkers’ voices earlier in the presidential nominating process. 

“I am proud to stand with the Senate Democratic Majority to defend the right to vote and strengthen trust in our electoral system,” said Senator Webb. “At a time when misinformation and intimidation threaten the foundation of our democracy, New York is taking action. This package of reforms cracks down on voter suppression, protects election workers from harassment, and ensures our elections are secure, fair, and accessible.” 

The election reforms passed by the Senate Democratic Majority include: 

• Crimes of Voter Deception and Suppression: This bill, S.1085, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, would prohibit deceptive practices and the suppression of voters, and increase penalties for violations of the elective franchise. 

• The Democracy Preservation Act: This bill, S.324, sponsored by Senate Deputy Leader Gianaris, would ban political spending by foreign-influenced business entities in New York’s state and local elections. 

• New York Election Officer Protection Act: This bill, S.8646A, sponsored by Senator Gonzalez, prohibits the intimidation, obstruction, or the unlawful dissemination of personal information of election officers. 

• Establishing Portable Polling Locations: This bill, S.568, sponsored by Senator May, would authorize county boards of elections to establish county-wide portable polling locations for early voting. 

• Registering to Vote at a Secondary Residence: This bill, S.1036, sponsored by Senator Myrie, would permit a voter to register to vote at a secondary residence with which they maintain a continuous connection, and at which they intend to remain. 

• Training for BOE Commissioners: This bill, S.1035, sponsored by Senator Myrie, would require the State Board of Elections to create a mandatory, uniform training curriculum for all election commissioners. 

• Changing the NYS Presidential Primary Date: This bill, S.8604, sponsored by Senator Skoufis, would move the presidential primary date in New York State to Super Tuesday.

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