New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S07188

Introduced
4/3/25  
Refer
4/3/25  

Caption

Requires the board of elections to send an absentee ballot application to all voters who filed an absentee ballot application for the prior election; provides for a permanent absentee ballot application list.

Summary

Bill S07188 amends the election law in New York to enhance the absentee voting process. It mandates that the board of elections send absentee ballot applications to all voters who had previously requested them for past elections. Additionally, it establishes a permanent absentee ballot application list, allowing voters to opt-in to receive absentee ballot applications for future elections automatically. Voters can request to be added or removed from this list at any time, either electronically or by mail.

Impact

The bill significantly impacts the absentee voting process in New York by streamlining the application process and encouraging voter participation. By creating a permanent absentee ballot application list, it aims to reduce barriers for voters who may have difficulty applying for absentee ballots each election cycle. This change could lead to an increase in absentee voting, especially among those who are unable to vote in person due to various reasons such as health or mobility issues.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding Bill S07188 appears to be supportive, as it seeks to make voting more accessible. However, there may be concerns from some factions regarding the security and integrity of mail-in voting, which could lead to debates during committee discussions and potential opposition during voting.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from concerns about the security of absentee ballots and the potential for voter fraud. Some lawmakers may argue that automatic mailings could lead to ballots being sent to individuals who are no longer eligible to vote or who have moved. This concern is likely to be raised by those who prioritize election security over accessibility.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 HB201

Election Law - Absentee Ballots - Notice to Request Application

NY SB93

Election Law - Absentee Ballots - Notice to Request Application

NY HB473

In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots; and, in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots.

NY SB1879

Absentee ballots; prescribing qualifying justification for absentee ballot applications. Effective date.

NY HB1515

Elections; absentee ballots; statement; single election ballot per application; effective date.

NY HB1515

Elections; absentee ballots; statement; single election ballot per application; effective date.

NY SB582

Absentee & provisional ballots; process & timing for rejected applications, rejected prov. ballots.

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 HB1652

Elections; voter identification containing photograph required; who may register up to and including the day of the election; absentee ballot application requirements; absentee voting in person availability; return of absentee ballots.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.