S8646A

The New York State Senate passed legislation Tuesday creating a private right of action for election officers who experience threats, harassment, or intimidation, advancing protections for workers administering elections amid rising concerns about their safety. Senate Print 8646A, sponsored by Sen. Gonzalez, passed 40-19 on a party-line vote, with all 19 nays coming from Republicans. The bill allows election officers to sue individuals who threaten them with force, violence, or injury, and establishes a presumption of intent to intimidate for those carrying firearms at polling sites. It also permits election workers to restrict their personal identifying information through the state's Address Confidentiality Program. Supporters cited a 2024 Brennan Center survey showing more than one-third of local election workers reported threats and harassment, with nearly 70 percent saying danger has increased since 2020. Sen. Skoufis noted that election workers in Arizona were sent to undisclosed locations for safety following the 2020 election. Republicans raised concerns about the bill's vague definition of intimidation, arguing it could expose voters and election inspectors to civil litigation for routine questioning or asking for identification at polling places. Sen. Walczyk questioned how address protections would allow validation of poll worker residency requirements and expressed concern about transparency in elections. Sen. Rhoads warned the bill could lead to frivolous litigation against poll workers simply doing their jobs. The measure takes effect 180 days after becoming law.