S610

The New York State Senate passed S610, sponsored by Sen. Stavisky, an act to amend the Education Law, on a roll call vote of 61-0. The bill, which was Calendar Number 1012, proceeded directly to a vote without floor debate. The measure will take effect 90 days after becoming law.

The New York State Senate passed legislation on Monday to permanently authorize the use of absentee ballot drop boxes, with the measure clearing on a 41-21 vote along largely party lines. Senate Print 610, sponsored by Sen. Hoylman-Sigal, would allow counties to voluntarily establish secure drop boxes for voters to return absentee ballots, with specific regulations regarding design, security measures, and hours of operation to be determined by the State Board of Elections. The sponsor argued the bill would increase voter turnout and expand voting access, noting that 25 states successfully operate ballot drop boxes with minimal incidents. However, Republican senators raised significant security concerns during floor debate, questioning the lack of specific safeguards written into the legislation. Sen. Walczyk argued the bill contains no surveillance requirements, no mechanism to prevent multiple ballot submissions, and no identification marking to distinguish drop box ballots from mailed ballots. Sen. Rhoads criticized the bill for failing to specify ballot box construction standards, suggesting unsecured boxes could be used. Sen. Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick expressed concern that unmonitored boxes could be broken into, causing ballots to disappear and potentially affecting close election outcomes. The bill is permissive in nature and does not mandate drop box implementation; counties may choose whether to participate. The Board of Elections received $15 million in the last budget that could be used in part for this purpose.

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Hoylman to authorize absentee ballot drop boxes outside traditional polling places and election offices, with a vote of 42-18 on Calendar Number 9, Senate Print 610. The bill aims to reduce mail-related ballot invalidations and increase voting convenience by providing secure alternatives to postal delivery. Sen. Hoylman cited data showing that one in five absentee ballots from New York City were invalidated during the June 2020 primaries and noted that 23 states already allow drop boxes by statute. The sponsor emphasized that academic studies and nonpartisan research have found no evidence of fraud associated with drop boxes, despite conspiracy theories. Sen. Walczyk led opposition, arguing the bill fails to address significant voter distrust in drop boxes and creates a problematic precedent by allowing ballot submission until polls close on Election Day. Walczyk contended that campaigns could track which voters have already voted by day's end, potentially creating opportunities for fraud perception and voter disenfranchisement. The 18 senators voting against the measure were Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Gallivan, Helming, Martins, Mattera, Murray, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Rhoads, Rolison, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, Weber, and Weik.