BILL NUMBER: S7111A
SPONSOR: HARCKHAM
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the election law, in relation to permit political
parties to perform certain functions without forming county committees
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this legislation is to make it easier for political
parties to increase components for candidates such as running campaigns
and engaging with voters more, without needing to set up county commit-
tees. By removing this requirement, smaller parties focus on what
matters most-engaging with voters and spreading their message.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. Subdivision' 3 of section 6-120 of the election law, as
amended by chapter 164 of the laws of 2022 to require members of the
party committee that represent political subdivision to provide a quorum
present when meeting to nominate by majority vote to individuals who are
not enrolled as a member of such party to be presented on ballot.
Section 2. Subdivision 2 of section 16-110 of the election law is
amended and a new subdivision, Section 2. Subdivision 2 of section
16-110 of the election law is amended and a new subdivision is added as
follows, the chairperson of the county committee of a party in which a
voter is enrolled in such a county may write a complaint by an enrolled
member of such a party in such a county and after a hearing held by a
sub-committee appointed by such person upon at least two days' notice to
the voter, personally or by mail, determine that the voter is not in
sympathy with the principles of such party.
Section 3 states the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
In the 2024 NY-17 Congressional Election, Anthony Frascone was able to
secure a spot on the ballot through an unconventional set of circum-
stances.. When running for office,engaging with potential voters and
performing outreach to local communities is essential for any candidate
who seeks to represent the will of the people. However, Frascone did not
run a campaign for the Congressional seat. There was no fundraising or
significant outreach to gather any additional support, and Frascone did
not have any previous affiliation with the party. It appears there was
no genuine intent to truly represent the people of NY-17.
Legislative changes are needed to ensure fairness and transparency in
the election process. This legislation would address loopholes in the
election law to prevent this situation from occurring once more.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
To be determined.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S7111: 6-120 election law, 6-120(3) election law, 16-110 election law, 16-110(2) election law
S7111A: 16-110 election law, 16-110(2) election law