Bill > S03596

This bill amends the New York election law to require voter registration forms to include a clear, bold, and prominent warning about the state's closed primary system. Specifically, the bill mandates that registration forms now include language explicitly stating: "The state of New York practices a closed party primary system. Political party enrollment is optional, but in order to vote in a primary election of a political party, a voter must enroll in that political party, unless state party rules allow otherwise." A closed primary system means that only registered members of a particular political party can vote in that party's primary election, which determines which candidates will represent the party in the general election. The bill provides transparency to voters about this electoral process by ensuring they are informed about party enrollment requirements at the point of voter registration. The changes will take effect two years after the bill becomes law, giving election officials ample time to update registration forms and implement the new notification requirement.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3596