Nonpartisan legislation would require clear communication notifying voters of two-sided ballots
Assemblyman Kevin Byrne (R,C,I,Ref-Mahopac) announced today the state Assembly’s passage of a bill (A.09923) which would require clear instructions to indicate to voters whether or not an election ballot is two-sided. The nonpartisan legislation, introduced by Assemblyman David Buchwald and co-sponsored by Byrne, would amend election law in relation to ballot proposals and represents a productive step forward in efforts to improve clarity in our state’s election process.
It is almost always necessary to utilize both sides of a ballot for various questions and referendums. However, under current law, it is oftentimes difficult to discern whether or not there are provisions on the side of a ballot opposite the names of the candidates running for office. This legislation would ensure that voters are appropriately informed in the event of a two-sided ballot.
“I’d like to take a moment to commend my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who worked to ensure the passage of this common-sense legislation,” said Byrne. “It is extremely unfortunate when voters are unable to weigh in on important measures, as feared during last year’s Constitutional Convention proposition, because they are unaware that the provision is on the back of their ballot. The Assembly’s passage of this bill represents a major victory in our efforts to amend this issue, and I urge the state Senate to join us in pursuing our goal of providing clear instructions to those who exercise their voting rights.”
Upon its near unanimous passage in the state Assembly, this bill was delivered to the Senate on April 16. Currently the legislation is being reviewed by the Senate’s Elections Committee.