Bill > A03816

This bill amends New York's election law to provide a more comprehensive framework for handling voting disruptions during emergencies. Specifically, it expands the circumstances under which election boards can authorize an additional day of voting beyond the original election day, now explicitly including a "state of emergency" alongside other disasters like fires, earthquakes, or power failures. The bill allows county or state election boards to determine if an emergency has made voting "impossible" and requires notification of various officials and media outlets if an additional voting day is scheduled. The additional voting day must be set within 20 days of the original election and must keep polls open for at least 11 hours. Only voters who were registered for the original election and did not vote can participate in the additional voting day, and they must vote in person. The bill also provides provisions for extending filing deadlines and party caucus dates if an emergency substantially impairs those processes. The legislation emphasizes that such emergency measures should only be used in the most extreme circumstances, recognizing the critical importance of maintaining an orderly electoral process. The act takes effect immediately upon passage.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3816