Relates to the notification of county boards of elections of an individual's death and the subsequent removal of such voter's name from the applicable registration roll.
Summary
Bill S02045 amends the public health law and election law in New York to establish a more efficient process for notifying county boards of elections about the deaths of registered voters. The bill mandates that the commissioner and the Department of Health deliver records of deceased individuals of voting age to the state board of elections immediately, and no later than seven business days after the issuance of death certificates. This information will then be relayed to the respective county boards of elections, ensuring timely updates to voter registration rolls.
Impact
The bill impacts state laws by streamlining the process of removing deceased individuals from voter registration lists, thereby enhancing the integrity of the electoral process. It requires the state board of elections to act promptly upon receiving death notifications, which could potentially reduce instances of voter fraud and ensure that election records are accurate and up-to-date.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding Bill S02045 appears to be supportive, as it aims to improve the efficiency and accuracy of voter registration processes. However, there may be concerns regarding the implementation logistics and the potential burden on the health department and election officials to comply with the new timelines.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise regarding the feasibility of the seven-day notification requirement, as some stakeholders may argue that this could be challenging for the health department to meet consistently. Additionally, there may be discussions about privacy concerns related to the sharing of death records between health and election authorities.
Requires commissioner of registration to move voters with undeliverable mail-in ballots to inactive file; removes such inactive voters from Statewide voter registration system following failure to vote in two consecutive federal general elections.
Requires commissioner of registration to move voters with undeliverable mail-in ballots to inactive file; removes such inactive voters from Statewide voter registration system following failure to vote in two consecutive federal general elections.
Permits boards of elections to opt to mail communications regarding primary elections to only those voters eligible to vote in such primary elections; excludes such option for the board of elections of the city of New York.
Authorizing the removal of a voter from voter registration rolls if such voter is issued a driver's license by another state and requiring attestation on voter registration form that obtaining a foreign driver's license constitutes a change in residency for voting purposes.
Compliance with the federal Help America Vote Act, voter registration data sharing agreements, removing ineligible voters from the official voter registration list, and fees for obtaining the official voter registration list. (FE)
Compliance with the federal Help America Vote Act, voter registration data sharing agreements, removing ineligible voters from the official voter registration list, and fees for obtaining the official voter registration list. (FE)