Senator Gianaris Promotes Voter Empowerment

(Queens, New York) Senator Michael Gianaris, a long-time advocate of reforming the state’s electoral system, cheered a recent electoral reform package proposed by Governor Andrew Cuomo.

“I am thrilled to see Governor Cuomo is taking real steps to empower the voters of our state by making it easier to register to vote and encouraging voter participation,” said Senator Gianaris. “Reforming the voter registration process will allow more New Yorkers to participate in the most fundamental aspect of our democracy, and thereby improve government from the bottom up.”

Senator Gianaris introduced his Voter Empowerment Act in June 2012 to update New York’s antiquated electoral system and streamline the voter registration process. Governor Cuomo’s reform package includes some of the same proposals originally offered by Gianaris’ Voter Empowerment Act, especially regarding improvements to the voter registration process.

The reforms offered by Governor Cuomo would provide for greater access to the ballot for state office, simplify ballots to make voting easier and allow affidavit voting on Election Day. In addition, the Governor’s proposal would expand the voter registration period and pre-register 16 and 17-year-olds to vote, two key tenets of the Voter Empowerment Act.

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