New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A01566

Introduced
1/10/25  
Refer
1/10/25  
Refer
1/7/26  

Caption

Includes a statement on the envelopes of ballots for early mail voters, absentee voters and special presidential voters for signature affirmation.

Summary

Bill A01566 amends the New York Election Law to require that absentee voters and special presidential voters include a signature affirmation on their ballot envelopes. The bill specifies that the affirmation must declare the voter's citizenship, registration status, and eligibility to vote, as well as a statement regarding their inability to vote in person. It also outlines the consequences of making false statements in this affirmation, classifying such actions as misdemeanors. The bill aims to enhance the integrity of the absentee voting process by ensuring that voters affirm their eligibility and intentions clearly.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will modify existing election procedures in New York, specifically regarding absentee and special presidential voting. It will require changes to the design of ballot envelopes to include the new affirmation statements, which may necessitate updates to voting materials and training for election officials. The bill seeks to strengthen the verification process for absentee ballots, potentially impacting the overall voting experience for absentee voters.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A01566 appears to be favorable, as indicated by the unanimous support in the Assembly Election Law Committee, where it received 15 votes in favor with no opposition. This suggests a consensus among committee members on the importance of ensuring the integrity of absentee voting through clearer affirmations.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support, there may be concerns regarding the additional requirements placed on absentee voters, particularly regarding the potential for confusion or barriers to voting. Critics may argue that the added affirmation could complicate the voting process for some individuals, especially those who may have difficulty understanding the legal language or who may not have access to assistance when completing their ballots.

Companion Bills

NY S05183

Same As Includes a statement on the envelopes of ballots for early mail voters, absentee voters and special presidential voters for signature affirmation.

Previously Filed As

NY S05183

Includes a statement on the envelopes of ballots for early mail voters, absentee voters and special presidential voters for signature affirmation.

NY S02057

Includes a statement on the envelopes of ballots for absentee voters and special presidential voters for signature affirmation.

NY HB1925

An Act To Amend The Law Concerning Absentee Ballots; To Amend The Absentee Ballot Voter Statement; And To Require A Witness For The Signature Of An Absentee Voter Statement.

NY S08644

Relates to the state board of elections creating uniform ballots for early mail, absentee, military and special voters who vote by mail; creates an electronic mail ballot application transmittal system; repeals certain provisions of the election law.

NY HB163

Absentee ballot; provide process to cure if signatures on application and envelope do not correspond.

NY HB499

In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots, for date of application for absentee ballot, for envelopes for official absentee ballots and for voting by absentee electors and providing for secure ballot return receptacles; and, in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots, for date of application for mail-in ballot, for approval of application for mail-in ballot, for envelopes for official mail-in ballots and for voting by mail-in electors.

NY HB1162

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in county boards of elections, furth er providing for powers and duties of county boards; in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for manner of applying to vote, persons entitled to vote, voter's certificates, entries to be made in district register, numbered lists of voters and challenges and for ballots to be issued by election officers only, ballots not to be removed and official ballots only to be deposited or counted; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots, for date of application for absentee ballot, for official absentee voters ballots, for voting by absentee electors and for canvassing of official absentee absentee ballots and mail-in ballots; in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots, for official mail-in elector ballots and for voting by mail-in electors.

NY AB599

Allowing voters to automatically receive absentee ballots for every election, eliminating the indefinitely confined voter status for receiving absentee ballots, and providing a penalty. (FE)

NY SB597

Allowing voters to automatically receive absentee ballots for every election, eliminating the indefinitely confined voter status for receiving absentee ballots, and providing a penalty. (FE)

NY A08257

Authorizes electronic absentee ballot applications for military voters and special federal voters; removes requirements that the federal post card application form be included with certain ballot application and ballots; requires institutions of higher education to provide students studying abroad with information on how to vote from abroad.

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