Enacts the "Voter Enfranchisement Modernization Act of 2016"; relates to establishing the electronic personal voter registration process; provides for online voter registration.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A10370
SPONSOR: Cusick TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the election law, in relation to enacting the Voter
Enfranchisement Modernization Act of 2016; in relation to establishing
the electronic personal voter registration process
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To facilitate voter registration through an on-line application process
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1 of the bill identifies the act as the "Voter Enfranchisement
Modernization Act of 2016 (VEMA)".
Section 2 is the declaration of legislative intent.
Section 3 adds a new title 8 to article 5 of the election law as
follows:
Section 5-800 provides for the establishment of an electronic voter
registration system through which voters may register to vote online.
Section 5-802 provides for an online voter registration application that
includes all of the voter registration information required by section
5-210 of the election law, including a signature or the option of an
electronic signature if necessary.
Section 5-804 provides that the failure to provide an exemplar signature
shall not prevent registration and the voter shall be provided a form to
submit such signature or the voter's identity may be verified upon
appearing to vote pursuant to section 8-302 of the election law.
Section 2 of the bill is the effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
The right to vote is a fundamental right. Modern technologies now allow
the ability to conduct many transactions online, including state and
local government applications. It is time that New York's antiquated,
predominantly paper-based voter registration application process is
modernized. With a streamlined online registration process, voters will
be able to register to vote in a more convenient and streamlined fash-
ion, making registration and voting more accessible.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
This is a new bill.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Costs to implement an electronic database and transmittal system. Costs
may be reduced through the use of less paper, increased efficiency and a
simplified process.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
On the earlier of: two years after it shall become law, or five days
after certification by the state board of elections that the information
technology necessary to implement this act is functional.
