Bill > S05346

This bill amends the New York State election law to expand absentee voting eligibility by adding a new qualifying reason: religious observance or practice. Specifically, the bill modifies existing language that allows qualified voters to vote by absentee ballot if they are unable to appear personally at their polling place. The new provision ensures that voters who cannot be present at their polling location due to religious observances or practices can now request and receive an absentee ballot. The bill uses gender-neutral language, replacing phrases like "he or she" with "such person" or "their," and will take effect on January 1, 2026, applying to general, primary, run-off primary, and special elections held from that date forward. This change aims to provide greater flexibility for voters whose religious commitments may conflict with their ability to vote in person on election day, thus supporting religious freedom and voter participation.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S5346