Authorizes the state board of elections to reject the use of voting machines or systems on the grounds that such machines or systems are not proper, safe, or secure.
Summary
Bill S05158 amends the election law to enhance the authority of the New York State Board of Elections regarding the examination and approval of voting machines and systems. It allows the Board to reject machines that do not meet safety and security standards, even if they technically comply with existing requirements. The bill mandates that any applicant seeking examination of a voting machine must pay a fee covering the examination costs, and it establishes a process for re-evaluating previously approved machines if concerns arise about their compliance with safety standards.
Impact
The bill impacts state election laws by granting the State Board of Elections greater discretion in determining the safety and security of voting machines. It modifies the approval process, ensuring that machines can be rejected based on the Board's judgment regarding their proper use. This could lead to the removal of certain voting machines from use in elections, potentially affecting local election authorities and the manufacturers of voting systems.
Sentiment
The sentiment around Bill S05158 appears to be generally supportive among those prioritizing election security and integrity. However, there may be concerns from manufacturers and local election officials regarding the implications of increased scrutiny and potential costs associated with the examination process.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise from the discretion granted to the State Board of Elections to reject machines based on their judgment of safety and security. Manufacturers of voting machines may argue that this could lead to arbitrary decisions affecting their products, while election officials may express concerns about the potential for increased costs and logistical challenges in implementing the new requirements.
Same As
Authorizes the state board of elections to reject the use of voting machines or systems on the grounds that such machines or systems are not proper, safe, or secure.
Authorizes the state board of elections to reject the use of voting machines or systems on the grounds that such machines or systems are not proper, safe, or secure.
In voting machines, further providing for examination and approval of voting machines by the Secretary of the Commonwealth, for requirements of voting machines and for preparation of voting machines by county election boards.
Requires voting machines or systems to comply with the voluntary voting system guidelines adopted by the United States election assistance commission on December 13, 2005.
AN ACT relating to elections; clarifying the procedure for testing voting machines and electronic voting systems; specifying that tests shall be open to the public; specifying rulemaking authority; removing the presumption of proper preparation of voting machines; and providing for an effective date.
Repeals and adds to existing law to provide for the crime of illegal voting, to provide for the crime of interference with an election, and to provide for the crime of tampering with voting machines or vote tally systems.