S5537A

The New York State Senate passed legislation to amend the Election Law on a 47-14 vote. Senate Print 5537A, sponsored by Sen. May, received support from a bipartisan majority. Fourteen senators voted in opposition: Ashby, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Martins, Mattera, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Rhoads, Tedisco and Weik. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

The New York State Senate passed legislation enabling county-wide polling places and vote centers on a voluntary basis for county boards of elections. Senate Print 5537A, sponsored by Sen. May, passed 45-16 on a roll call vote. The bill builds on prior electronic polling books legislation that allows voters to cast ballots at any polling place within their county during early voting. Sen. May argued the measure represents progress toward making elections more accessible and practical for the 21st century, noting that the City of Auburn has already implemented county-wide vote centers on Election Day. She said other boards of elections may voluntarily adopt the practice to allow voters to cast ballots at the nearest polling place regardless of their specific location within the county. Sixteen senators voted against the measure: Ashby, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Gallivan, Griffo, Helming, Martins, Mattera, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Rhoads, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk and Weik.