Bill > A03338

This bill modifies the New York State election law regarding the designation of polling places, with a particular focus on early voting locations. The bill requires boards of elections to designate polling places in consultation with local governments by March 15th each year, and specifically prohibits public school buildings from being used as early voting locations. The legislation mandates that whenever possible, public buildings should be used as polling places, with a preference for buildings exempt from taxation or owned by entities receiving significant state funding. If a public building is chosen as a polling place, the controlling board must make suitable rooms available that are close to a convenient entrance and accessible to physically disabled voters. The bill removes a previous restriction about polling places located in businesses licensed to sell alcohol and provides flexibility for boards of elections to select alternative polling places if a designated location becomes unsuitable or unsafe. Importantly, the bill allows building owners to request cancellation of their location as a polling place if they can demonstrate that such use would significantly interfere with the building's primary function. The changes aim to improve polling place accessibility and provide more options for early voting locations while respecting the operational needs of public and private buildings.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3338