Bill > S04602

This bill establishes remedies for disruptions at polling places during early voting or on Election Day, ensuring voters have sufficient time to cast their ballots. If a polling place experiences an obstruction or interruption, referred to as a "disruption," that prevents voters from casting their ballots for more than one hour, the Board of Elections (BOE), which is the governmental body responsible for administering elections, must extend the voting hours to compensate for the lost time. This extension can occur on the same day or, if administratively difficult, on a subsequent day for the same election, but no later than Election Day itself. The bill also mandates that the BOE publicize any such extensions through various communication channels, including websites, direct notifications to officials and candidates, and local media, to ensure voters are aware of the updated voting times and locations. Furthermore, it clarifies that ballots cast during these extended periods are valid and cannot be challenged solely because they were cast during the extended time, though it preserves the right for voters or candidates to seek further judicial relief if necessary. The bill also adds a provision that creates a presumption of a violation of election law if someone intentionally frustrates the purpose of these disruption remedies, and it allows for changes to early voting locations within 48 hours of the voting period if there is a disaster or a disruption as defined by this bill.