Voting is the cornerstone of democracy. Yet, only about half of voting-age New York citizens chose to vote in the 2016 general presidential election, according to U.S. Census Bureau figures. That’s the eighth worst voter turnout among the states that year. Voter turnout in non-presidential election years is much lower — around 30 percent. Changes to help to improve turnout, such as early voting and same-day registration, are currently being reviewed in Albany and the governor has included state funds to help in this effort in his 30-day budget amendments.
In this year’s Executive Budget, Gov. Cuomo is providing approximately $7 million for proposed election reforms. The goal is to make the voting process more accessible and convenient. New technology will be used to assist in this process. When more people exercise their right to vote, greater civic engagement helps to make our government more responsive and representative.
Additional state funds would allow New York counties to offer voting in the 12 days leading up to Election Day. Society is much different now than it was 25 or 50 years ago, and it is commonplace for citizens to have unconventional daily work or school schedules. When voting is limited to one day, many people may have to choose between voting and other commitments. This proposal would require each county to have one early voting polling site for every 50,000 residents. These sites would be open at least eight hours on weekdays and five hours on weekends for citizens to cast early ballots — again, during the 12 days leading up to the election.
New York is only one of 13 states without early voting and it requires voters to have specific reasons to request an absentee ballot.
In addition, New York is looking to add same-day registration. This proposal would allow citizens to register and vote on the same day. Currently, many New Yorkers are prevented from voting due to missed registration deadlines as well as other factors. Today’s sophisticated technology gives New York the tools to offer same-day registration, as 13 other states do, which increases accessibility to our election process.
As an elected official, I am encouraged when people are engaged in the political process and are civic-minded. My office regularly hosts interns from our local colleges and I am always heartened by their interest and engagement. When my constituents join me at the four “Community Information Nights” I host during February and March, it allows me to hear from them directly about their concerns, answer questions and learn more about their thoughts on the issues being discussed in Albany.
New York state is on the right path to modernize our voting system, to make elections more accessible. I look forward to working with my colleagues over the next few months on this and other budget and legislative matters.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact my office at (315) 428-9651.
