MONDAY: Voting Rights Advocates Poised for Victory

NEW YORK, NY (01/11/2019) (readMedia)-- On Monday -- the day the State Assembly and the State Senate are expected to vote on a package of voting reforms -- the Let NY Vote coalition and grassroots activists will rally at the Million Dollar Staircase to celebrate their victory and make sure Albany lawmakers pass the most comprehensive, efficient and accessible election day package.

Background:

Last year, Let NY Vote, formerly known as Easy Elections NY, formed as a statewide coalition of organizations & grassroots groups fighting to modernize New York's elections. The coalition has over 100 members and groups ranging from 32BJ,to NAACP New York, to New York State Indivisible. Full coalition list here.

The goal is to pass simple solutions in 2019 to improve our elections and remove barriers to registering and voting for all eligible New Yorkers, 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.

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.