Bill > S02163

This bill authorizes and directs the New York State Board of Elections, in cooperation with county boards of elections, to create a secure online petitioning system for signing designating petitions (official documents supporting a candidate's nomination). The online system will cover a wide range of elected offices, including local, state, and federal positions such as U.S. Senate, state governor, county offices, and school boards. The system must be integrated with county election boards, verify voter eligibility, and ensure that only qualified voters can sign petitions for specific candidates. Importantly, the bill specifies that candidates can collect the full number of required petition signatures through this online portal, but the use of online petitions does not replace traditional paper petitions - candidates can still use paper signatures if they choose. The State Board of Elections is granted the authority to create necessary rules and regulations to implement this new online petitioning system, which aims to modernize and potentially simplify the candidate nomination process by providing a secure digital alternative to paper signatures.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S2163