Bill > A01014

This bill makes technical changes to New York's election law regarding ballot drop boxes, expanding the definition and usage of drop boxes to include both absentee and early voting ballots. The bill modifies existing statutes to replace specific references to "absentee" ballot drop boxes with more inclusive language covering both absentee and early voting ballots. It authorizes county and city boards of elections to establish one or more ballot drop-off locations as an additional method for voters to return their ballots, and requires these boards to publish the locations of these drop boxes on their websites. The bill also mandates that the state board of elections create rules and regulations governing the drop boxes, including guidelines for location, chain of custody, pick-up times, labeling, and security. Additionally, the bill clarifies that ballots deposited in drop boxes before the polls close on election day will be considered timely, and that the failure of election boards to time-stamp these ballots will not prevent them from being counted. These changes aim to provide voters with more flexible and accessible options for returning their ballots while maintaining the integrity of the voting process.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1014