Bill > S02056

This bill enacts the "Student Voter Empowerment Act," which requires all public and private higher education institutions in New York to take several steps to increase student voter registration and participation. Each institution must designate a staff member as a student voting coordinator who will develop a comprehensive two-year student voting action plan that includes at least three election outreach events per academic year, providing voter registration materials in central campus locations and electronic communications, consulting with local election boards to pre-fill voter registration applications, and disseminating detailed voting information on their websites. The plan must cover key voting details such as registration deadlines, polling locations, absentee ballot procedures, and voting rights, while ensuring that these activities do not favor any specific political candidates or parties. Institutions must also submit annual reports to the state board of elections detailing their voter engagement efforts, and the board will publicly share these reports and create a summary analysis of statewide student voting trends. The bill aims to make voter registration and participation more accessible and engaging for college students by providing comprehensive support and information through dedicated campus coordinators.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S2056