Provides for the declination of a designation as a candidate or nomination for a party position under special circumstance

• Democratic11

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why James Skoufis says this is needed

Currently, once a certificate of designation or nomination has been filed, the only basis for removing a candidate is death, declination or disqualification. A candidate is only permitted to decline a designation/nomination after the filing deadline if they are nominated for a second office or if they are arrested, charged with or convicted of a crime, or they can decline a nomination on one ballot line in a general election if they are defeated on a different partlinA in a primary for the same office. Disqualification is also ver yl4i'Ail="i-diii and only applies if the candidate does not meet the qualifications for holding office of being 18 years old, a. United States citizen, and a resident of New York State. A candidate who is diagnosed with a serious health condition or has resigned the office for which they are nominated or designated to run for re-election should be permitted to voluntarily decline the party's designation or nomination and withdraw their name from the ballot to allow a new candidate to be selected. Individuals experiencing these circumstances should be allowed to withdraw from the election and focus on their health or other personal challenges. Allowing candidates to decline in these circumstances will also enable voters to cast a ballot that is reflective of the actual candidates in the race.

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.