BILL NUMBER: S6259
SPONSOR: SKOUFIS
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the election law, in relation to requiring educational
institutions in the state to communicate all absentee ballot deadlines
for New York state elections
 
PURPOSE:
Requires public and private universities in the state of New York to
inform their students of the deadline to apply for absentee ballots
through the university websites or via emails.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1: amends section 4-120 of the election law by adding a new
subdivision 4 to require all public and private universities in the
state of New York to inform students of the deadline for absentee ballot
applications at least three times by email or on the university website
within a month of the application due date.
Section 2: Sets forth the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
For university students who will not be in their home counties on
Election Day, voting by mail gives them the opportunity to vote away
from home. Since many college students have busy schedules and the cost
and time for traveling back to their respective homes can be a barrier,
voting by mail is an easier and more accessible option than traveling to
polling places in their hometown. It also gives added incentive and acts
as a reminder for students to research the candidates listed on the
ballot before making their decisions.
This bill will require colleges and universities in the state of New
York to share the deadline for absentee ballot applications on their
websites and through emails at least three times within a month before
the applications are due to the board of elections. Students rely on
their school websites and emails for information and updates about
assignments and other activities. With busy schedules, it is easy for
college students to forget to check online for the deadline and make
possible travel arrangements ahead of time. This bill will help remind
college students without them needing to check the board of elections
website and encourage participation through civic duty.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
Senate
2023: N/A
2024: S9117, Referred to elections
Assembly
2023: N/A
2024: No assembly same-as
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S6259: 4-120 election law