The Iowa Caucuses are on Monday. Monday!
The 2024 presidential race is upon us. And states should be doing all they can now to make sure their election systems are as accessible to as many voters as possible.
Equally as important, given concerns expressed by some about the legitimacy of the election process, is that the public is confident in the security and accuracy of the process.
That’s why legislation proposed in the state Senate this week that aim to achieve those goals is so vital.
Among the bills that would expand voter access is one that would allow local Boards of Election to set up secure locations for residents to drop off absentee ballots. It’s a way to reduce the burden and uncertainty of ballots placed in the mail. Other states have done this without ballots being stolen or damaged, as the boxes are usually located at secure locations with 24/7 surveillance, such as county buildings and police stations.
Another access bill would allow counties to add portable voting stations for early voting to make it more convenient for people to vote early in person. This would be of particular value to rural, elderly and disabled voters.
The highlight of the package, however, is the bills related to enhancing election security and decreasing instances of voter intimidation.
One election security bill would help reduce the possibility of registration duplication and voter fraud due to people voting in more than one state. Under the bill, New York would join the multi-state Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC), a compact that allows states to share timely information about voter registrations. This is particularly valuable when voters move from state to state and fail to notify elections officials. ERIC currently has 24 participating states and the District of Columbia, and has proven over the past decade to be accurate and secure. Some states have tried to set up smaller systems, but those have so far proven not to be as accurate or secure.
Another bill calls for the creation of a statewide database that will allow interested parties to research election results and access a centralized location for affidavit and absentee ballot use, voter files and registration lists, district maps and polling sites. A free statewide database would make the information more accessible and lessen the burden on local boards.
The Senate also proposes to increase penalties for voter suppression and deceptive practices, reduce the influence of foreign-influenced businesses, and require public websites operated by political committees to post a disclaimer identifying those responsible for the messaging. All of these bills would expand transparency, reliability, security and access to the polls - which should be the goal of any state government.
We hope the Assembly considers each bill and does what’s best for all voters in New York.