Let NY Vote Celebrates Voting Rights Victory

NEW YORK, NY (01/14/2019) (readMedia)-- NEW YORK, NY (01/15/2019) (readMedia)-- After years of outcry from voters, the State Legislature finally voted to make New York the 38th state in the nation to pass Early Voting, in addition to a whole host of other voting reforms. Activists from the Let New York Vote Coalition packed the hallways, rallying earlier in the day in front of the State Senate Elections Committee hearing to celebrate their victory and continue to push lawmakers to pass the most comprehensive, efficient and accessible voting rights reforms.

"For years, New Yorkers have been demanding efficient, equitable and accessible elections and, finally, on the first full day of the legislative session both the Assembly and the new Senate Majority, responded with a robust package of voting reforms; making clear their commitment to democracy. The initial bills including, early voting, registration portability, consolidation of primaries, and pre-registration of 16 and 17 year olds, are a fantastic first step and we look forward to working with lawmakers and the Board of Elections to implement these long overdue reforms. New York can and will be a shining example of democracy," said Susan Lerner, Executive Director of Common Cause/NY and a founding member of Let NY Vote.

The Let NY Vote Coalition is a statewide network of over 100 member organizations ranging from 32BJ, to NAACP New York. to New York State Indivisible. Full coalition list here.

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

Early Voting: in place in 37 other states, 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.

Universal transfer of voter registration: If a voter moves anywhere within New York State, their registration address will be automatically updated, and if not, he or she will be able to vote by affidavit ballot.

"With the tremendous grassroots support from advocates statewide, we applaud lawmakers for implementing an early voting period and passing other important reforms that will give more eligible New Yorkers the opportunity to get to the polls and exercise the freedom to vote," said Trevon Mayers, Director of Policy & Community Outreach at The NYC Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center. "This is a victory for advocates across all issue areas, particularly for LGBTQ and other marginalized communities, as voting is a significant step toward meaningful progress in New York."

"New York is finally stepping up to claim its self-proclaimed progressive mantle. We are excited to see this initial package of voting reforms pass, this is a rare step forward that ensures all voices are heard in our democracy--especially communities of color, immigrant communities, low-income communities, and young people-as they continue to build their own power in New York. There is more work to be done, and we are excited to see what comes next as New York can, and should, truly lead the country," said Brandon West, Campaign Manager- Voting Rights & Democracy, Center for Popular Democracy.

"Democracy depends on our ability and willingness to participate in the political process, but our country has a long history of crafting restrictions to selectively disenfranchise voters. Voting is a right, not a privilege, and in 2019, it is past time to remove all unnecessary barriers to voting in New York State," said Robin Chappelle Golston, President & CEO, Planned Parenthood Empire State Acts.

"The League of Women Voters of New York State is thrilled to witness the passage of a truly comprehensive package of voting reforms. This package of legislation will finally bring New York's antiquated election systems into the 21st century. These reforms should increase voter turnout and make voting more accessible to all New Yorkers. We commend the New York State Senate and Assembly for being so swift in passing these reforms and we look forward to working with them on the roll-out of these new policies," said Jennifer Wilson, Legislative Director of League of Women Voters New York State.

"We're excited by the legislation that will be passed by the Assembly and Senate today. These voting reforms are an excellent first step in transforming the way New York votes, pulling us out of the 19th century and into the 21st. These are some of the most pressing reforms that grassroots and everyday New Yorkers have been calling for, and the action taken today demonstrates that many in Albany were listening. We applaud the Assembly and Senate for recognizing the urgency of democracy reform in New York State, so that it remains 'of the people, by the people, and for the people," said Julie Kerr, Brooklyn Voters Alliance.

"Democracy, as the participation of people in the decisions that affect their lives, is a spiritual value. It is of the very essence of human autonomy and altruism. Voting is a centerpiece of democracy in which we exercise our freedom, express our ethical values, and seek justice. It is a vital means for seeking the common good," said Rev. Dr. Richard S. Gilbert, President, Interfaith Impact of New York State.

"This is the most significant reform to New York State voting laws in over 100 years. More importantly it is what the voters demanded when they went to the polls in 2018. While there are many more reforms to be addressed, Monday will be a historic day for New York and its citizenry. We look forward to implementing these reforms for the voters," said Dustin M. Czarny, Democratic Caucus Chair of NYS Elections Commissioner Association.

"We welcome voting reforms that will make voting easier for everyone, including people with disabilities. Polling sites, voting equipment, methods of registration all need to be accessible in compliance with disability rights laws and election-related workers and volunteers need training to ensure that they are prepared to assist voters with disabilities," said Susan Dooha, executive director of Center for Independence of the Disabled, NY.

"We, in New York, are one of the last in nation in voter turnout. It's not a coincidence that we have weak campaign finance laws and laws that make it hard to vote. It's exciting to see that the state legislature has heard the voices of thousands of us who have petitioned, called, met with our lawmakers and traveled to Albany to demand changes. We hope these will be the first of a series of significant reforms that pass the legislature this year and that New York will become a model as the federal government also works to move forward similar reforms, " said Jonah Minkoff-Zern, Director, Public Citizen's Democracy Is For People Campaign.

"We applaud the state legislature for their swift action in reforming the voting laws in New York State. The members of TWU Local 100 work 24/7 to move New York and will greatly benefit from the implementation of early voting," said Tony Utano, President of the Transport Workers Union Local 100.

"We are very pleased to see the new state legislature taking up the mantel of progress and change in Albany. As we fight back against the lack thereof in the nation's capital, we must turn more and more to our states' capitals to enact meaningful legislation," said Isabel Zeitz-Moskin, National Organizer at the National Action Network. "This is a great first step on a journey of reforming our democracy, and we cannot wait to continue working towards more great changes within our election system. Voting was a central tenet of Dr. King's dream. Together we will continue to assemble the pieces of that dream, starting in our states and building up a more perfect union."

"We commend the Assembly and Senate for modernizing voting and voter registration in New York. During these tumultuous times, it is essential democracy works for New Yorkers, and people feel they can express their voice," said Alex Camarda, Senior Policy Advisor at Reinvent Albany. "Reinvent Albany salutes the many organizations, electeds and their staffs, and everyday New Yorkers who advocated for a better voting experience since the last century, culminating in this remarkable moment Albany can be proud of."

"Voting reform that gives maximum and meaningful access to our citizenry is essential to establishing proper representation for all our communities, and accountability for those charged to serve them," noted Afaf Nasher, Executive Director of CAIR-NY. "We are encouraged by the actions of our state senate, and look forward to a continued partnership promoting civic engagement for all New Yorkers."

"Ensuring that every eligible voter has the opportunity to vote is a critical step forward in our fight to improve the lives of New Yorkers in need and the neighborhoods in which they live," said Lena Cohen, Policy Analyst at United Neighborhood Houses. "Now more than ever, we must commit ourselves to protecting our democracy and the civil rights that New Yorkers have worked so hard to achieve. We enthusiastically support the efforts put forth by the State Legislature to accelerate electoral reform."

"We live in an era of unprecedented attacks on voting rights and voter protections," said Lurie Daniel Favors, Esq., General Counsel for the Center for Law and Social Justice at Medgar Evers College. "So it is exciting to see the New York State Senate and Assembly taking steps to embrace voting reforms in such a meaningful way. There is more work to be done and we look forward to continuing to work in coalition to make even more changes to New York's electoral system."

"We applaud the legislature for moving quickly to pass this historic package of reforms that will protect and expand the right to vote in New York State. These reforms will reverse our state's regressive voting laws and boost voter turnout, engaging more New Yorkers in the electoral process. We want to thank Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Heastie, as well the many advocates statewide, for their hard work to revitalize democracy in New York State," said Betsy Gotbaum, Executive Director of Citizens Union.

"The pro-voter election reform package being enacted in New York advances and protects our civil rights, said Jarret Berg, Interim Executive Director of NYDLC. "By prioritizing 'first principles' like voting rights, Leader Stewart Cousins and the New Majority are already bringing positive policy change to Albany."

"At a time when we are all craving a way to be more civically engaged, this bill is a direct response the will of the people," said DeNora Getachew, New York City Executive Director of Generation Citizen. "This bill would bring New York's elections into the 21st century and make them more accessible to our young people. We applaud Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and the entire Senate for their leadership on this key issue for our democracy."

"There is no reason voting should be hard and nothing should keep New Yorkers from having their say in our democracy. With the reforms passed today, the new State Legislature is taking a huge step toward fixing New York's antiquated voting laws and delivering on its progressive promise. Voting is the right we exercise to protect all other rights, a responsibility that is more important than ever in the face of the Trump administration's ruthless assault on our democracy," said NYCLU Executive Director Donna Lieberman.

"Voter and election reform is simply way past due. We have some of the lowest voting rates in New York in Queens because of anocronistic laws designed to keep incumbents in office. It is voter Suppression. And that is tantamount to voter oppression. These reforms are what democracy requires at this moment in our history," said Mazeda A. Uddin from South Asian Fund For Education,Scholarship and Training (SAFEST).

"After decades of stagnation, New Yorkers should see today as signaling a new day in Albany for voting rights," said Sean Morales-Doyle, counsel in the democracy program at the Brennan Center for Justice at NYU Law. "These reforms are major steps forward and will enable New York to catch up with the rest of the country on voting reforms. But New York can be a leader by going even further and passing automatic voter registration, fully restoring voting rights for people with past convictions, and passing comprehensive campaign finance reform. We're looking forward to working with the legislature on what comes next.

"The most effective way to affect change within our democracy is to make sure New Yorkers are not only registered to vote, but have access to vote," said Tara L. Martin, State Political Director for the NYS Nurses Association (NYSNA). "That's why the New York State Nurses Association supports voting reform, and with the important issues at stake, now more than ever, it is essential for the legislature to act this year to protect our communities from voter suppression."

"This is a historic moment for New York. When working people have full and fair access to the ballot, our democracy is stronger and works better for everyone," said Hector Figueroa, president of 32BJ SEIU, the largest property service union in the country with 80,000 members in New York. "This is the result of years of organizing and dedication from working people who have made their voices heard and demanded the voting access they deserve."

"We are grateful to Majority Leader Andrea Stewart Cousins and Speaker Heastie, as well as members of the Senate and Assembly, for their willingness to move quickly and decisively to strengthen our democracy by passing critical voting reforms, caps on donations from individual LLC's and increased disclosure requirements. We look forward to seeing additional historic reforms this session, including public financing of elections, automatic voter registration and the restoration of voting rights to parolees, to make 2019 the year that democracy truly begins in New York State," said Amshula Jayaram, Senior Campaign Strategist, Demos.

"New York's outdated voting laws have dragged our voter participation rates to the bottom nationwide - particularly among new Americans and other marginalized communities. The passage of this voter reform package is a first step towards bolstering New Yorkers' voting power, combating voter suppression, and building a stronger democracy. We applaud the leadership of the State Legislature, and look forward to seeing the Governor sign this package into law," said Steven Choi, Executive Director of the New York Immigration Coalition.

"Grassroots activists across New York state have fought for years to bring about long overdue voting reform, and the fact that it is being taken up on day one of the legislative session sends a clear message that our voices have been heard. We are thrilled to bring about the first major voting reforms in New York state in 100 years on this historic day, and look forward to working with the legislature moving forward to pass comprehensive and equitable voting reform to make sure all New Yorkers are able to access the vote," said Shabd Simon-Alexander, Organizing Director of Let NY Vote.