New York Assembly Bill A04449

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/4/25
• Refer: 2/4/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Prohibits ballot harvesting; prohibits a person from submitting an application for an absentee ballot on behalf of a voter without notarized consent; permits family members, caregivers and other officials to submit applications.

Summary

A04449 would amend New York election law to prohibit “ballot harvesting,” a term the bill defines broadly to include both submitting absentee ballot applications on behalf of another voter and collecting, distributing, or submitting voted or unvoted absentee ballots for another person. The bill creates narrow exceptions for certain family members, caregivers with notarized voter authorization, election officials acting in their official duties, U.S. Postal Service employees acting in their official duties, and delivery couriers hired by the voter. The bill also establishes criminal penalties for unlawful ballot harvesting. A person who willfully engages in the prohibited conduct would be guilty of a class D felony, while a person who engages in unlawful ballot harvesting without the willfulness standard would be guilty of a class A misdemeanor. The measure would take effect on November 1 following enactment.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would add new sections to the Election Law creating a statewide prohibition on third-party handling of absentee ballot applications and absentee ballots, subject to specified exceptions. It would affect voters who use absentee voting, family members and caregivers assisting them, election administrators, postal workers, and voter-hired couriers, and it would expose violators to criminal prosecution under the Penal Law classifications incorporated into the Election Law.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and available context, the measure appears to be framed as an election-integrity proposal and is likely supported by sponsors who view third-party ballot collection as a risk to ballot security. No committee transcript or vote record is available here, so there is no documented floor or committee debate to indicate broader legislative sentiment. The bill’s structure suggests a precautionary, restrictive approach to absentee ballot handling.

Contention

The main point of contention is likely the balance between preventing improper influence or fraud and preserving voter access, especially for voters who rely on assistance to complete or return absentee ballots. Critics would likely focus on the breadth of the prohibition and the criminal penalties, while supporters would emphasize the limited exceptions for close family members, caregivers, election officials, postal employees, and voter-hired couriers. The notarized-consent requirement for non-family assistance is another likely flashpoint because it adds procedural hurdles for voters needing help.