New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S06253

Introduced
3/7/25  

Caption

Requires state and county boards of elections to post sample ballots online at least twelve days prior to the first day of early voting; requires such ballots to be posted in a searchable database.

Impact

The implementation of S06253 could lead to significant changes in how elections are conducted in New York, specifically regarding voter engagement and education. By providing essential voting information online, the bill is expected to empower voters to familiarize themselves with upcoming elections and streamline their voting experience. This approach may help reduce confusion and misinformation, ultimately aiming to increase voter turnout, particularly among those who may struggle with traditional methods of obtaining ballot information.

Summary

Bill S06253 aims to enhance the electoral process in New York by requiring state and county boards of elections to post sample ballots online at least twelve days prior to the beginning of early voting. In addition, the bill mandates that these sample ballots be made available in a searchable database to ensure that voters can easily access their polling site information, district information, and the specific sample ballot they will be eligible to vote on in the upcoming election. The bill's intent is to promote increased transparency and accessibility in the electoral process, potentially helping voters make more informed decisions.

Contention

While the bill is generally seen as beneficial for enhancing voter access and transparency, some discussions have highlighted concerns about cybersecurity and the potential for misinformation regarding online ballots. Opponents worry about the security of the online databases and the measures taken to ensure that sample ballots are not tampered with. The bill includes provisions for embedding security tools in the sample ballots, but debates continue on the adequacy of these measures in safeguarding electoral integrity.

Companion Bills

NY A06741

Same As Requires state and county boards of elections to post sample ballots online at least twelve days prior to the first day of early voting; requires such ballots to be posted in a searchable database.

Previously Filed As

NY A04062

Requires state and county boards of elections to post sample ballots online at least twelve days prior to the first day of early voting; requires such ballots to be posted in a searchable database.

NY S07426

Requires state and county boards of elections to post sample ballots online at least twelve days prior to the first day of early voting; requires such ballots to be posted in a searchable database.

NY S04673

Requires voters voting by affidavit ballot to produce an identification document to verify residency in the election district; requires absentee ballots to be received by election day, or be post-marked by the first day of early voting.

NY A05731

Requires voters voting by affidavit ballot to produce an identification document to verify residency in the election district; requires absentee ballots to be received by election day, or be post-marked by the first day of early voting.

NY S07394

Establishes early mail voting; authorizes registered voters to obtain early mail voting ballots through application to the board of elections; requires the state board of elections to establish and maintain an electronic early mail ballot application transmittal system through which voters may apply for an early mail ballot online.

NY A07632

Establishes early mail voting; authorizes registered voters to obtain early mail voting ballots through application to the board of elections; requires the state board of elections to establish and maintain an electronic early mail ballot application transmittal system through which voters may apply for an early mail ballot online.

NY A02169

Establishes provisions requiring absentee ballots that do not have postmarked dates that are received in the mail by the board of elections within three days following the day of election to be cast and counted.

NY S02346

Ensures that voting systems testing requirements do not make it impractical to provide each polling place for early voting all of the election district ballots.

NY A03921

Relates to voting rights expansion, voter registration on election day, expansion of the use of and requirements for absentee voting, creation of a real-time statewide voter registration database, special ballots for election employees, and voter affidavits.

NY A00885

Regulates public data maintained by county and city boards of elections; establishes the New York voting and elections database and institute to maintain a statewide database of voting and election data.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.