Senator Rachel May Passes Two Critical Election Reform Bills in First Week of Session

Albany, NY – Senator Rachel May (D-Onondaga, Cayuga) passed her bill, which allows counties to establish portable polling places for early voting through the Senate on Monday. Senator May passed a second bill on Tuesday that holds election officials accountable for misconduct and incompetence.

• The Portable Polling Locations bill, S.557, amends the election law to allow counties the option to establish two or more locations for portable polling places for early voting. The portable polling locations must be open for at least three consecutive days, which will not replace or otherwise decrease the mandated number of regular early-voting polling places.

“Our democracy works best when everyone participates, and it is our job as Legislators to make that participation as easy as possible. This includes giving New Yorkers easier access to the ballot box, and my portable polling locations bill will do just that. It allows counties to remove barriers to early voting by bringing the polling places right to residents’ neighborhoods. The Democratic majority has made improving voting rights a top priority, and this bill supports that effort,” said Senator May.

• Commissioner Removal bill, S8337, allows the Governor or the New York State Board of Elections to remove an election commissioner for incompetence, misconduct, or other good cause. The election commissioner in question would receive a written copy of the alleged charges and an opportunity to present a defense.

“We must continue strengthening election integrity by ensuring voters can be confident in officials to carry out free and fair elections. My bill in this package will allow the bipartisan state board of elections to remove an election commissioner for incompetence, misconduct, or other good cause, providing accountability and transparency in our elections. This bill will further bolster trust in New York State’s election process,” said Senator Rachel May.