Bill > A03954

This bill enacts the "student voter empowerment act," which requires all public and private higher education institutions in New York to designate a staff member as a student voting coordinator who will develop and implement a comprehensive student voting action plan. The plan must include at least three election outreach events per academic year, provide voter registration information in various locations and formats, create a voter education webpage, distribute pre-filled voter registration applications, and offer resources about voting processes, dates, and rights. Each institution must submit an annual report to the state board of elections detailing their voter engagement efforts, including non-personally identifiable data on student registration and participation. The bill aims to increase student voter registration, voting rates, and democratic participation by mandating proactive support and education about voting. Importantly, the coordinator's activities must remain non-partisan and cannot favor or disfavor specific candidates or political parties. The bill also expands language access provisions to include college and university residents and will take effect one year after becoming law, with preparatory rules and regulations authorized to be developed immediately.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3954