A10370 Summary:
BILL NO | A10370 |
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SAME AS | No Same As |
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SPONSOR | Cusick |
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COSPNSR | Kavanagh, Sepulveda, Lifton |
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MLTSPNSR | |
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Add Art 5 Title 8 §§5-800 - 5-804, El L | |
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Enacts the "Voter Enfranchisement Modernization Act of 2016"; relates to establishing the electronic personal voter registration process; provides for online voter registration. |
A10370 Memo:
Go to topNEW 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.