GIANARIS BILLS STRENGTHEN VOTING PROCESS

Queens Gazette wrote about the bills Senator Gianaris has introduced that enchance the voting process:

Four bills which would result in increased voter participation, a more efficient Board of Elections and make ballot casting more convenient have been introduced by state Senator Michael Gianaris (D–Astoria).

The lawmaker said, “The upcoming special elections remind us of the importance of voting. As we quickly approach 2012, it is vital that we make voting an accessible and convenient process in order to maximize turnout. Every ballot counts and New Yorkers must be able to exercise this valuable right as easily as possible.”

The four bills do the following:

•S 1970 facilitates voting by designating libraries, local housing authority buildings and public high schools as participating polling sites that offer voter registration forms, renewal services and change of address services.

•S 1972 allows for Election Day Voter Registration so new voters can register to vote up to Election Day itself.

•S 1974 would enact the Automatic Voter Registration Act, and provide for the automatic voter registration of persons at least 18 years old based on motor vehicle and tax records.

•S 1978 removes the requirement that voter registration be completed at least 10 days before Election Day.

Read the full article here.