Senate Democratic Majority Pass Historic Voting Reforms, Signaling New Era in Albany

Senator Holyman’s remarks on closing the LLC loophole can be viewed here

ALBANY - Senator Brad Hoylman (D/WF-Manhattan), released the following statement in response to the passage of several bills through the state legislature that will enable early voting, and no-excuse absentee voting, modernize and expand voter registration , extend Primary Election voting hours, impose limits on LLC contributions and ensure uniformity throughout the state.

Senator Hoylman said: “For far too long, our antiquated voting laws have prevented New Yorkers from exercising their constitutionally-guaranteed right to vote. Today, that changes. These reforms will increase voter participation and help restore the integrity of our electoral institutions, marking a bold, first legislative victory for our Democratic Conference. I applaud Leader Stewart-Cousins, Deputy Leader Mike Gianaris, Senator Myrie, and my Democratic colleagues for their commitment to making our democracy more accessible and fair. From this day forward, New Yorkers can continue to count on their lawmakers in Albany to act on the progressive ideas that led them to the ballot box in November. We're only just getting started."

The historic legislation passed by the Senate Democratic Majority includes: 

•   Early Voting S.1102 will establish an Early Voting system to permit eligible voters in New York State to vote in person during a designated period.
• Consolidation of Federal and State Primaries S.1103 will save taxpayer dollars and make state primary elections the same day as federal primary elections. It also ensures that New York State’s election law complies with the federal Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment (MOVE) Act.

• Closing the LLC Loophole S.1101 will amend Election Law to hold LLC’s to the same aggregate contribution limit of $5,000 that applies to corporations. The amendment would require the disclosure of the identity and proportion of ownership of all direct and indirect owners of the membership interests in the LLC. This legislation will also amend the Election Law to require all contributions made to political committees or campaigns by an LLC be attributed to each member of the LLC in proportion to the member’s ownership interest.
•  Same-Day Voter Registration S.1048 will amend the constitution to remove the ten-day advance voter registration requirement, subject to second passage of the next legislature and approval by a statewide referendum.
• No-Excuse Absentee Voting S.1049  will amend the state Constitution to allow for any voter to request to vote by mail without declaring reason subject to second passage of the next legislature and approval by a statewide referendum.
• Voter Registration Transfers S.1099 will require the Board of Elections to transfer the registration and enrollment of a voter to wherever they move in New York State.
• Voter Pre-Registration S.1100 will enable 16- and 17-year olds to pre-register to vote and requires local boards of education to adopt policies to promote student voter registration and pre-registration.