S585

The New York State Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would allow the State Board of Elections to remove local elections commissioners for incompetence, misconduct, or good cause—creating an alternative to the current process requiring gubernatorial action. Senate Print 585, sponsored by Sen. May, passed 44-17 on a largely party-line vote. The bill emerged from debate over a 2020 congressional race in which elections commissioners made errors that complicated the outcome, and Sen. May argued the current removal process is cumbersome and subject to partisan accusations. However, opponents raised significant concerns about the bill's vague standards for removal. Sen. Helming criticized the undefined terms, noting the sponsor's response that removal criteria are "something you know when you see it" falls short of legislative clarity. Sen. Martins questioned whether unconfirmed Board members could participate in removal decisions, undermining the bill's claimed bipartisan nature. Sen. Rhoads argued the bill creates a problematic precedent by treating elections commissioners differently from other appointed officials like district attorneys. Sen. Walczyk warned the quick administrative process could enable partisan removal of commissioners. Despite the concerns, the Democratic-controlled chamber advanced the measure.