Relates to the removal of an election commissioner by the governor or by affirmative vote of a majority of commissioners of the state board of elections for incompetence, misconduct, or other good cause, provided that prior to removal, such election commissioner shall be given a written copy of the charges against them and have an opportunity to be heard in their defense.
Summary
A02347 amends the New York Election Law to change how an election commissioner may be removed from office. Under the bill, removal could still be made by the governor, but it would also be allowed by an affirmative vote of a majority of the commissioners of the State Board of Elections. The grounds for removal are specified as incompetence, misconduct, or other good cause.
The bill also adds procedural protections before removal can occur. An election commissioner must be given a written copy of the charges and an opportunity to be heard in their defense before being removed. The measure takes effect immediately if enacted.
Impact
This bill would revise the statutory removal process for election commissioners in New York by expanding the authority to remove them beyond the governor alone and by setting explicit due-process requirements. It would affect Election Law section 3-200, subdivision 7, and would give the State Board of Elections a direct role in disciplining or removing commissioners for cause. The practical effect is to create a clearer, more formalized accountability mechanism for election administration officials.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate or partisan division in the available materials. Based on the bill text, the measure appears to be framed as an administrative accountability and governance reform rather than a policy change affecting voters directly. The overall tone of the proposal is procedural and corrective, emphasizing standards for removal and basic fairness for the officeholder.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is the shift in removal power from the governor alone to a majority of State Board of Elections commissioners, which could raise questions about separation of authority, political influence, and who should control discipline of election officials. Another possible issue is the broad standard of "other good cause," which may be viewed as giving decision-makers discretion that could be applied inconsistently. Supporters would likely emphasize accountability and due process, while critics may worry about politicization or ambiguity in the removal standard.
Same As
Relates to the removal of an election commissioner by the governor or by affirmative vote of a majority of commissioners of the state board of elections for incompetence, misconduct, or other good cause, provided that prior to removal, such election commissioner shall be given a written copy of the charges against them and have an opportunity to be heard in their defense.
Relates to the removal of an election commissioner by the governor or by affirmative vote of a majority of commissioners of the state board of elections for incompetence, misconduct, or other good cause, provided that prior to removal, such election commissioner shall be given a written copy of the charges against them and have an opportunity to be heard in their defense.
Relates to the removal of an election commissioner by the governor or by affirmative vote of a majority of commissioners of the state board of elections for incompetence, misconduct, or other good cause, provided that prior to removal, such election commissioner shall be given a written copy of the charges against them and have an opportunity to be heard in their defense.
Provides for the appointment and removal for cause of commissioners of election; provides for removal for cause by the board of elections and/or the governor; repeals provisions relating to the removal of election commissioners.
Requiring the election commissioners in the four largest counties to designate at least three advance voting sites as determined by the board of county commissioners and providing for in-person advance voting 20 days prior to an election in such counties.