Walker + Brooklyn NAACP, + Let NY Vote Lay Out What's Next for Voting Rights in NYS

NEW YORK, NY (03/21/2019) (readMedia)-- Today, Let NY Vote will host a panel discussion with Assemblymember Latrice Walker, L. Joy Williams of the Brooklyn NAACP and others on what's next for voting rights in New York.

On the very first day of session in January, the state Legislature passed long-stalled voting reforms including early voting and pre-registration of 16 and 17 year olds. But there are still crucial reforms left on the agenda, such as automatic voter registration and restoration of voting rights for people on parole.

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.

Voting Rights for People on Parole: the restoration of voting rights for people on parole needs to be codified in law, so that restoration becomes an automatic process.

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.