Bill > S00088

This bill aims to expand automatic voter registration and pre-registration opportunities in New York State. It mandates that individuals applying for or renewing certain documentation at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), or those applying for or re-enrolling in Medicaid, will be automatically registered to vote unless they opt out. The bill also includes provisions for pre-registration for individuals who are not yet eligible to vote but will be soon. Important terms include "automatic voter registration," which means an individual is registered to vote by default when interacting with designated agencies, and "pre-registration," which allows individuals who are not yet 18 to sign up to vote so they are registered when they become eligible. The bill specifies that certain agencies, including the DMV, Department of Health, and social services departments, will be designated for this automatic registration process, with specific timelines for implementation. Crucially, individuals will have the clear option to decline this automatic registration or pre-registration. The bill also clarifies that non-citizens will not be registered and outlines procedures to prevent non-citizens from being automatically registered.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S88