Bill > A05846

This bill provides comprehensive guidelines for handling voting disruptions during elections, establishing a structured approach for local Boards of Elections (BOE) to address and remedy situations where voting is interrupted for more than 15 consecutive minutes. Under the new provisions, if voting is delayed or disrupted at one or more polling places, the BOE must extend voting time to compensate for the lost time, either on the same day or on a subsequent voting day. The bill requires the BOE to use multiple communication channels to inform voters about these changes, including electronic notifications, media outreach, and direct voter communication. The legislation also mandates that polling place coordinators or election inspectors immediately notify the BOE of any disruptions, and it includes a presumption of intentional voter suppression if someone deliberately interferes with the voting process. Additionally, the bill allows the BOE some discretion to determine whether an extension of voting time is appropriate, but requires a public meeting and detailed documentation if they choose not to extend voting. Importantly, any ballots cast during the extended voting period will be considered valid and cannot be challenged solely based on the timing of their submission.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5846