Bill > A00400

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to modify the composition of boards of elections by expanding the legislature's authority to establish qualifications for election boards. Currently, the state constitution requires that election boards have equal representation from the two political parties that received the highest and second-highest number of votes in the previous general election. The proposed amendment would allow the legislature to define additional qualifications for board members beyond the existing party representation requirement. Specifically, the bill adds language that enables the legislature to direct "other qualifications for performing their duties" for election board members. The amendment would not apply to town or village elections, and it would need to be referred to the first regular legislative session after the next general election of assembly members, with the proposed changes published for three months prior to that election. This change seeks to provide more flexibility in determining the expertise and standards for those responsible for managing election processes.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A400