Bill > S02538

This bill, known as the "voter empowerment act of New York," aims to simplify voter registration by implementing automatic voter registration, meaning eligible citizens will be automatically registered to vote when they interact with certain state agencies, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or state universities, unless they opt out. It also clarifies that students can choose to register to vote at their college residence or maintain their parental residence if it remains their primary concern. The bill mandates that "source agencies" (like the DMV and state universities) electronically transmit voter registration information to election boards, and it outlines the specific data to be shared, including an option for electronic signatures. Additionally, it makes changes to existing election laws regarding address changes, voter confirmation notices, and the processing of voter registration applications, generally shortening deadlines for registration to be effective for upcoming elections and allowing for affidavit ballots if a voter's name is not found or is incomplete on the registration list, provided they can prove their identity and interaction with a source agency. The act also includes provisions to protect voter privacy and prevent discrimination based on registration information.