Kaminsky discusses polling places in schools

ALBANY – Elections would soon be dismissed from New York schools if some state lawmakers have their way. 

At least three bills before the state Legislature seek to relocate or remove polling places from schools — an idea that first began circulating around Albany in 2014 following several high-profile school shootings and threats of terrorism.

Despite an increased push for school safety in recent years, legislation seeking to remove polling places from schools has failed to gain any traction.

What the bills would do

The bills seek to address safety on Election Day, when schools throughout the state open their doors to the public so voters can cast their ballot. 

"You have this bizarre dichotomy where on the one hand schools have become much more fortified and secure and appropriately so ... except on Election Day, then we let anyone walk into schools," said Sen. Todd Kaminsky, D-Nassau County, who sponsors one of the bills.

Kaminsky's bill wouldn't bar schools from hosting elections, but instead would ensure no school be required to host a polling place while class is in session and minors are present. 

The Board of Elections would be tasked in finding an alternative polling place should a school choose to opt out of hosting an election, according to the bill. 

Kaminsky introduced similar legislation in 2016, but the bill failed to make it out of committee.

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