BILL NUMBER:  S2653

 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
prior 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 :

S.4353 of 2015-16 Legislative Session

 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 before
the time of such election.