LI Electeds + Let NY Vote Advocates Demand $ for Early Voting

NEW YORK, NY (03/22/2019) (readMedia)-- Today, Assemblymembers Charles Lavine and Judy Griffin, and State Senator Todd Kaminsky joined together with Let NY Vote activists to push for funding for early voting in the state budget.

Watch the press conference here.

In January, the Legislature passed early voting, making New York the 38th state in the nation to provide voters with nine additional days to vote before an election. Although the Governor swiftly signed the bill into law, his proposed budget does not include any funding for it; sticking counties with the cost.

In contrast, the Assembly and Senate set aside a combined $17M to cover general operating expenses. In addition, the Assembly allocated $27M for electronic poll books and printers.

"The Let NY Vote Coalition is thrilled to see funding for early voting and electronic poll-books in the Senate and Assembly proposed budgets, thanks to Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Speaker Carl Heastie. This is an historic step for New York State which has not previously provided counties with financial support for elections. Now it's time for the Governor to get on board and make sure early voting is a success in November, not an unfunded mandate," said Susan Lerner, Executive Director of Common Cause/NY and founding member of Let NY Vote.

The Governor has suggested that the future consolidation of primaries (which does not go into effect until 2020) will produce a cost savings to offset the cost of early voting. According to a study done by Citizens Union, cost estimates for early voting project at least $22 million in dedicated appropriations in order for it to run successfully.

The Governor and the Legislature begin negotiations over the final budget next week.

"I am very proud that New York State government is at the forefront of fighting to protect American voting rights," said Assemblymember Charles Lavine.

"By establishing early voting in New York, we took a big step forward for democracy that will result in higher voter turnout, and, ultimately, a government more representative of, and responsive to, the public. We must now push forward and ensure adequate funding for a robust early voting process that empowers voters throughout New York," said State Senator Todd Kaminsky.

"I am very proud to have co-sponsored these new laws that will make voting more accessible and convenient for voters on Long Island and all across the state. I want to thank Assemblyman Lavine for his critical role as the Chair of the Election Law Committee in bringing these new initiatives to fruition. Voting is one of the most important duties that we have as citizens, but it can often be unnecessarily burdensome for our Long Island commuters who work long hours far from home and face unpredictable mass transit issues at the end of those long days. We must continue to work toward increased voter participation and engagement by improving voters' access to the polls. These new laws, coupled with the funding they need, will help make greater participation in our elections process a reality. That is why I am strongly advocating for the inclusion of adequate funding in the 2019-20 budget to ensure the upgrades I sponsored and voted for can be realistically delivered by our local Board of Elections. I am optimistic that Governor Cuomo will be on board to fund Early Voting essentials," said Assemblywoman Judy Griffin.

"Our vote is our voice. Our vote is our currency. I am ecstatic that voting reform was at the top of the legislative agenda this session because we NEED it. New York is a complex and diverse Empire. We need opportunity and options and Early voting provides just that. Being able to cast our ballot 10 days before the election will improve voter turn out. Now it's time to source and develop more incredible leaders the people can get excited about," said Assemblywoman Taylor Raynor.

Background

The Let NY Vote Coalition is a statewide network of over 150 member organizations ranging from 32BJ, to NAACP New York to New York State Indivisible. Full coalition list here.

The Let NY Vote coalition has been demanding common sense voting reform in New York for years such as:

Early Voting: in place in 37 other states and now New York, allowing citizens to cast ballots in person days, sometimes weeks, before an election.

Pre-registration of 16 and 17-year-olds: 13 states plus DC allow for pre-registration for voting at 16 and 17 years old. Pre-registration increases the likelihood of voter participation among young adults. Engaging potential voters at a young age and bringing them into the voting process early helps create lifelong voters.

Consolidation of Primary Dates: Currently New York has two primary days in June and September, confusing voters. New York is the only state with two primaries.

Vote by mail: No eligible voter should have to provide a reason to be able to vote absentee.

Same day registration: 18 states and DC have Same Day Registration. Same Day Registration enables voters to register and vote at the same time and increases voter turnout.

Automatic Voter Registration: where registering to vote becomes seamless, electronic, and automatic.

Flexibility to Change Party Affiliation: New York has the most restrictive deadline in the country, locking out hundreds of thousands of voters during the primaries. The change of party deadline must be shortened to allow people to make an informed decision.