BILL NUMBER:S4353

TITLE OF BILL:  CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY
proposing an amendment to section 2 of article 2 of the constitution,
in relation to voting by mail

PURPOSE:  Proposing an amendment to section 2 of article 2 of the
constitution, in relation to voting by mail.

SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1: The section 2 of article 2 of the constitution be amended
to read as follows:

§ 2. The legislature may, by general law, provide a manner in which,
and the time and place at which, qualified voters who, on the
occurrence of any election, may be absent from the county of their
residence, or if residents of the city of New York, from the city, and
qualified voters who, on the occurrence of any election, may be unable
to appear personally at the polling place because of illness or
physical disability, may vote and for return and canvass of their
votes can choose to vote by mail may do so.

§ 2. Resolved that the foregoing amendment be referred to the first
regular legislative session convening after the next succeeding
general election of members of the assembly, and, in conformity with
              

section 1 of article 19 of the constitution, be published for 3 months
previous to the time of such election.

JUSTIFICATION:  "Vote By Mail" was implemented in Oregon when
constituents from all walks of life: Republicans, Democrats,
Independents, college students, senior citizens, community leaders and
housewives collected 100,000 signatures to vote by mail. As a result,
voter turnout increased. In addition, it saves the state money and is
many voters enjoy the convenience of voting from home. New York States
voter turnout has plummeted. New York, being one of the largest
states, receives less than a third of the eligible population vote.
New York's turnout is a shameful 28.8 percent, the fourth-lowest in
the county. Vote by Mail transcends the typical partisan battles seen
so often in our initiative process because it is an idea that makes
sense: it increases voter participation, saves money and makes
democracy more convenient for everyone.

PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: NEW

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: To be determined.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  Resolved that the foregoing amendment be referred to
first regular legislative session convening after the next succeeding
general election of members of the assembly and, in conformity with
section 1 of article 19 of the constitution, be published for 3 months
previous to the time of such election.