S6169A

Senate Print 6169A, an act to amend the Election Law sponsored by Senator Cleare, was laid aside on the Senate floor without debate or vote. Senator Lanza moved to set the bill aside, and Acting President Bailey granted the motion.

The New York State Senate passed the Voting Integrity and Verification Act on a 46-16 vote, with the bill requiring voters to have the option to mark paper ballots by hand or with ballot marking devices that do not count votes. Sponsor Sen. Cleare argued the legislation ensures individual voter verification that ballots are counted accurately and securely. However, the bill drew criticism from Sen. Martins, who cited concerns from disability rights advocates that the measure could perpetuate separate voting experiences for people with disabilities rather than promoting universally designed voting technology accessible to all voters. Martins referenced an op-ed by Dr. Chris Rosa, president of the Henry Viscardi Center, published in Newsday on April 24, arguing that New York should adopt modern voting equipment that allows all voters—including those with disabilities—to use the same machines. Sixteen senators voted against the measure, including Borrello, Brouk, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Cooney, Gallivan, Hinchey, Lanza, Martins, Mattera, Oberacker, Ortt, Rhoads, Stec, Tedisco, Weber, and Weik.