BILL NUMBER: S6253A
SPONSOR: SKOUFIS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the election law, in relation to requiring state and
county boards of elections to post sample ballots
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
The purpose of this bill is to direct the board of elections to provide
a searchable database to allow voters to preview their sample ballot
before they cast their actual ballot.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Amends section 7-118 of the election law to require county
boards of elections to transmit a sample ballot for all election
districts within that county to the state board of elections.
Section 2: Amends section 7-118 of the election law to require the state
board of elections to post, at least 12 days prior to the first day of
early voting, a sample ballot for each election district in the state on
the board's website in a secure and searchable database.
Section 3: Sets the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Exercising one's right to vote is a fundamental pillar of our democracy.
However, the process of voting can be overwhelming when many races for
various levels of government all appear on the same ballot. In order to
encourage informed voter participation and reduce down ballot dropoff,
this bill directs the board of elections to establish a searchable data-
base allowing voters to preview their ballot before they arrive at their
polling location. This will provide voters an additional opportunity to
research the candidates on their ballot and make an informed choice as
to who they would like to vote for.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
Senate
2023: S7426-A, Referred to Elections
2024: S7426-A, Passed Senate
Assembly
2023: A4062-A, Referred to election law
2024: A4062-A, Amend and recommit to election law
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have
become a law.

Statutes affected:
S6253: 7-118 election law, 7-118(3) election law
S6253A: 7-118 election law, 7-118(3) election law