Bill > S04800

This bill proposes to amend the state constitution by adding detailed provisions for conducting special elections to fill vacancies in federal elected offices. The amendment establishes specific rules for when and how special elections should be held, including provisions that a vacancy occurring three months before a general election should be filled at that election, and guidelines for when the governor must call a special election. For congressional representative vacancies, the bill specifies that a special election will not be held if the vacancy occurs after July 1st in the last year of the term, unless a special congressional session is called. The bill also includes specific procedures for filling U.S. Senate vacancies, allowing the governor to make temporary appointments depending on when the vacancy occurs in relation to election cycles. Temporary appointments for Senate vacancies have specific time limits, with the governor required to issue a certificate of appointment and a writ of election to fill the seat permanently at the next general election. The proposed amendment requires referral to the next legislative session after the next general election and must be published for three months prior to that election, following constitutional amendment procedures.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4800