NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A7623
SPONSOR: Vanel (MS) 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 authoriz-
ing ballot by mail by removing cause for absentee ballot voting
PURPOSE:
This, resolution shall propose to amend the state Constitution to allow
any ny-Voter to request to vote by mail without declaring any reason for
doing so.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 of the bill amends section 2 of article. 2 of the constitution
to remove certain restrictions on the legislature's ability to permit
voters to cast absentee ballots, and to instead permit the legislature
to provide the manner, time, and place for qualified voters to vote on
or before the day of the election other than by personal appearance at
polling places.
Section 2 of the bill provides that the amendment be referred to the
first regular legislative session after the next general election of
members of the assembly and be published for three months prior to the
date of such election
JUSTIFICATION:
Currently, the New York State Constitution only allows absentee voting
if a person expects to be absent from the county in which they live, or
the City of New York, or because of illness or physical disability. As
we have seen recently, many states have allowed for alternate ways of
voting, including mail in voting, without having to declare any reason
for doing so. There is no reason to prevent New Yorkers from doing so as
well. By providing choices, voters are provided with the opportunity to
cast their ballot in whatever way they find most convenient. whether
that be in a voting booth on election day, or in the comfort of their
own home prior to election day.
FISCAL ON THE STATE:
None.
FISCAL IMPACT ON LOCALITIES:
None.
IMPACT ON REGULATION OF BUSINESSES AND INDIVIDUALS:
None.
IMPACT ON FINES, IMPRISONMENT, FORFEITURE OF RIGHTS, OR OTHER PENAL
SANCTIONS:
None.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2016: A03874B (Brennan) Passed Assembly
2015: A03874B (Brennan) Election Law
2014: A04526 (Brennan) Election Law
2013: A04526 (Brennan) Election Law
2012: A05202 (Brennan) - Election Law
2011: A05202 (Brennan) Election Law
2010: A05099 (Brennan) Election Law
2009: A05099 (Brennan) - Election Law
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This amendment takes effect on the first day of January of the year
after its approval and ratification by the people.
