Bill > S07116

This bill enacts the "Voting Integrity and Verification Act of New York" (VIVA NY), which aims to enhance voting transparency and voter confidence by mandating the use of individual, voter-verifiable paper ballots. The legislation introduces two new definitions: a "nontabulating ballot marking device" as a voting machine that cannot count or transmit votes but can print voters' selections on a paper ballot, and a "human readable paper ballot" as a ballot that can be read without assistance other than standard vision-enhancing devices. The bill requires that every polling place provide voters with two options for creating their ballots: marking them by hand or using a nontabulating ballot marking device. Each voter is guaranteed the right to an individual paper ballot that they can mark privately and independently. Existing voting machines purchased before the act's implementation can continue to be used if they are designed to work with individual, voter-verifiable paper ballots. The legislation emphasizes transparency in the voting process by ensuring that voters can directly verify their selections on a physical, readable ballot, which can help increase trust in the electoral system. The act takes effect immediately upon passage.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7116