To the editor:
Another legislative session has come to a close and the New York State Senate has still not taken any meaningful action to modernize the state’s electoral system. Despite a voting participation rate of just 29 percent of the eligible population in 2014 and 57 percent in 2016. Despite holding the rank of 47th in the nation for voter turnout in 2014 and 41st in 2016. Despite 37 other states having already implemented such measures. Despite the New York State Assembly once again passing bills supporting voting reform. Despite all this, the Senate majority has again chosen to block early voting, automatic registration, electronic poll books and other commonsense measures that would vastly improve access to voting.
The blame for this inexcusable disgrace is to be divided between Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the Republican leadership of the New York State Senate, including Sen. John DeFrancisco, and the Independent Democratic Conference (IDC), including Sen. Dave Valesky.
Gov. Cuomo has repeatedly and publicly stated that he stands behind improvements to New York’s antiquated election system. Words do not correspond to actions in this case, however, as he never manages to use his considerable influence to actually make reform happen. Without the “walk,” a good “talk” is worse than meaningless.
As for the Senate Republicans: under the false flag of “voter fraud,” they have once more blocked all bills to improve the voting system. Let us freely admit that their true concern is nothing more than maintaining ruling status. As has been continuously demonstrated in numerous states, voting reform measures increase participation in elections. And increased participation in elections often leads to greater support for the Democratic Party. Ergo, if reform is enacted, turnout increases and the Republicans could very well lose their slim majority. They are, in a word, desperate to impede anything (i.e. voting reform) that might challenge their grasp of power.
But most insidious of all is the IDC. These Senate “Democrats” possess the bewildering characteristic of staunch allegiance to the Republican Party leadership and enable the Republicans to control the Senate despite the Democrats’ numerical advantage. (In exchange for bigger salaries and bigger offices.) And it is their unwavering support of the Senate Republicans’ self-serving priorities that has sabotaged voting reform yet again. If nothing else, perhaps they should update their party affiliation?
Refusing to make voting as accessible to the people as possible is cowardly, deceptive and tyrannical. It completely goes against the spirit of everything positive that this country was founded upon. Gov. Cuomo, the Senate Republicans and the IDC are there to serve the people — not to stifle their voice. If they choose to block voting reform, it is time for the people to block their reelection.
Jennifer L. Yoshioka
Liverpool
