Assemblywoman Amy Paulin (D - Scarsdale) announced today that the New York State Assembly and Senate passed legislation she authored (A7953) to improve the Fire District election process by prohibiting electioneering within one hundred feet of a polling place during Fire District elections. This provision is consistent with the current prohibition against electioneering contained in the Election Law and is also consistent with the current prohibition against electioneering during school district elections contained in the Education Law.

"This law will assure citizens the right to participate in a fair, open and democratic process to elect a person as Fire Commissioner at a time when there are ever increasing demands placed on firefighters and fire districts to protect our citizenry and nation," said Assemblywoman Paulin.

"On behalf of the Eastchester Board of Fire Commissioners, we would like to thank Assemblywoman Paulin for all the time and effort that went into the passage of this new bill regarding Fire district elections. I’m sure it will be greatly beneficial for all Fire Districts within the State of New York," said Raymond O’Hare, Chairman, Eastchester Board of Fire Commissioners

"Assemblywoman Paulin worked hard to make sure that this legislation passed," said Shawn Stewart, President, Eastchester Professional Firefighters, Local 916. "This law will make Fire District elections better throughout New York State."

Although New York State Election Law prohibits electioneering within one hundred feet of a polling place, the provisions of Election Law do not cover Fire District elections. Further, there is nothing in the Election Law that gives the New York State Board of Elections or any other Board of Elections authority over Fire District elections. Town Law provides that the Fire District itself controls Fire District elections.