Relates to designating early polling places

• Democratic6
• Republican1

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Liz Krueger says this is needed

In 2019, New York state lawmakers took historic steps in approving a series of reforms intended to make New York's voting process easier, more efficient, more transparent, and more accountable to its citizens. Among these reforms were the scheduling of state and federal primaries on the same day, automatic updating of voters' registrations when they move, preregistration of those ages 16 and 17 prior to an election in which they will be eligible to vote, and requirements that established 10 days of early voting which includes two full weekends prior to elections. With regard to early voting, the intent of the legislature was to provide a flexible timeline within which voters can cast their ballots, taking into account the reality that voters often have busy schedules, vacations, and family obligations that can get in the way of voting on Election Day. Early voting provides flexibility and a longer voting process that encourages civic involvement by New York's citizens. Following analysis of early voting polling site locations in the 2019 election cycle, there were concerns voiced about the continued use of schools as early voting polling places. While schools are normally closed during Election Day, schools are not closed during the days of early voting. This creates logistical and security concerns and disrupts the school day. In addition, vital areas of a public school such as cafeterias and gymnasiums become unavailable to students during this time, which can occur multiple times a year due to primary, general, and special elections. In the 2020 general election, while schools tried to hold in-person classes during the COVID-19 pandemic, additional concerns were raised as voters were allowed to enter public schools. Although students, teach- ers, and school staff were required to have their temperature checked, and additional precautions were implemented, voters were able to enter the school without being subjected to similar requirements. A vast majority of early voting sites were not at public schools but rather colleges, community centers, and museums. Only one locality outside of the City of New York used public schools as polling places, and none of the polling places in the borough of Queens were public schools. The prohibition on placing polling sites on the same premises as alcohol being sold is repealed in order to expand the types of sites available for early voting in light of the restriction on placement at public schools.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.