New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A08388

Introduced
5/13/25  

Caption

Authorizes, under certain circumstances, full-time college and university students to act as election inspectors and poll clerks in the election district where their college or university is located.

Impact

The enactment of A08388 is poised to have a positive effect on both the electoral process and civic engagement among young people. By allowing students to work as inspectors, this bill could help alleviate staff shortages often seen during elections, ensuring that polling places operate effectively. Furthermore, it may provide students with real-world insight into the voting process, fostering a sense of responsibility and encouraging future participation in civic duties.

Summary

Bill A08388 aims to amend the New York election law by permitting full-time college and university students to serve as election inspectors or poll clerks in the counties where their educational institutions are situated. This legislative move is designed to increase student participation in the electoral process, directly involving them in the mechanics of voting. The bill establishes criteria that students must meet to be eligible for these roles, including being registered voters, not holding any elective office, and being able to read and write English competently.

Contention

Some points of contention regarding A08388 might include discussions about the appropriateness of entrusting college students with responsibilities traditionally held by more experienced adults. Critics could express concerns about students’ understanding of the complex electoral processes or their ability to handle potentially stressful situations that arise at polling places. However, supporters would argue that the opportunity for engagement outweighs these concerns, and that proper training could effectively prepare students for these roles.

Companion Bills

NY S01809

Same As Authorizes, under certain circumstances, full-time college and university students to act as election inspectors and poll clerks in the election district where their college or university is located.

Previously Filed As

NY A01032

Authorizes, under certain circumstances, full-time college and university students to act as election inspectors and poll clerks in the election district where their college or university is located.

NY S04433

Authorizes, under certain circumstances, full-time college and university students to act as election inspectors and poll clerks in the election district where their college or university is located.

NY A08899

Authorizes, under certain circumstances, full-time college and university students to act as election inspectors and poll clerks in the election district where their college or university is located.

NY S05693

Provides that whenever a contiguous property of a college or university contains three hundred or more registrants, the polling place designated for such election district shall be on such contiguous property or at a location approved by the college or university.

NY A00089

Requires all colleges and universities to provide sexual harassment training to undergraduate and graduate student interns.

NY A09967

Enables students to receive information from colleges and universities without disclosing their personally identifiable information via an opt-in system.

NY S09597

Enables students to receive information from colleges and universities without disclosing their personally identifiable information via an opt-in system.

NY A07963

Relates to the appointment of election inspectors and poll clerks; provides that each board of elections submit a report detailing assignments of election inspectors and poll clerks; provides that each board of elections be required to fill vacancies by appointing individuals that appear on the additional inspector list.

NY A02104

Directs the commissioner of education to develop a notice and consent form to be provided to students and parents by colleges and universities in the state upon acceptance of prospective students to college or university, authorizing permission to contact the parents or guardians of students identified as potentially at-risk for suicide.

NY A07962

Requires certain colleges and universities vet all information displayed on their websites and marketing materials to ensure the information is accurate and impartial.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.