Bill > S05182

This bill establishes the Disaster Voting Relief Act, which provides special voting procedures during states of emergency or federal disaster declarations. Specifically, the bill empowers the governor to suspend or delay elections in affected municipalities when an emergency is declared, with the state board of elections responsible for establishing rescheduling procedures. The legislation also expands voting options for impacted citizens by allowing qualified voters within a declared emergency area to vote absentee within fourteen days of an election, regardless of existing absentee voting restrictions. Additionally, the bill modifies affidavit voting rules, permitting voters registered within the affected county to cast affidavit ballots even if they are not in their specific election district. The bill further stipulates that absentee ballots cast under these emergency provisions will be transmitted to the voter's home board of elections for canvassing with other affidavit and absentee ballots. These provisions aim to ensure voting accessibility and continuity during extraordinary circumstances that might otherwise prevent citizens from exercising their right to vote. The act will take effect 180 days after becoming law, with immediate authorization for developing necessary implementation regulations.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5182