They said it couldn't be done . . . but together, we made history!
Together, Let NY Vote grassroots activists & coalition partners changed history — by changing the conversation in New York, and by advocating for the passage of a dozen landmark voting rights reforms — the first in New York in over a century.

As a result of your hard work, New Yorkers will now have more time to vote, an easier time voting, and modern voter registration systems.

early voting

• Before: 37 states had early voting, New York did not.

• What we won: Starting in November 2019, New York will have nine days of early voting before every election, including the two weekends prior to the election, ending the Sunday before. The State also needed to provide dedicated funding, and not ask counties to rely on other cost savings, to ensure seamless implementation. The state allocated $10 million for early voting.

• Why it matters: Eases the pressure on polling sites during election day, gives New Yorkers more time to vote, and makes access to voting more equitable.

Uniform polling hours during primary elections

• Before: Currently, the vast majority of the state can only vote from 12pm to 9pm during a primary election.

• What we won: Next year, all New Yorkers will be able to vote from 6am to 9pm during a primary election.

• Why it matters: All New Yorkers should have the same amount of time to cast their ballot. Confusion about poll hours led to disenfranchisement of entire populations.

SHORTEned the PARTY ENROLLMENT DEADLINE

• Before: New York’s party enrollment deadline was the most restrictive in the country; New Yorkers needed to enroll in a political party eleven months before a primary election.   

• What we won: We slashed the party enrollment deadline by more than half for the majority of our elections!!! Starting immediately, New York’s new party enrollment deadline is now February 14th, four months before the state and federal primary and two months before the presidential primary. 

• Why it matters: Every New York voter was hobbled by this absurd deadline. This is an important first step towards giving voters more time to enroll in a party before a primary election. 

ELECTRONIC POLL BOOKS

• Before: Paper voter rolls were required for all counties on Election Day and were prone to error, causing confusion and long waits.

• What we won: Counties will now be able to use electronic poll books if they choose to. The state has allocated $14.7 million to support counties switching to e-pollbooks.

• Why it matters: Electronic poll books are proven to save voters time at poll sites, increase the accuracy of voter rolls, and save money over the years. They will also be critical for many counties implementing early voting.

Pre-Registration of 16 & 17 Year Olds

• Before: 16 and 17 year-olds had to wait until they turned 18 to register to vote.

• What we won: Starting January 1, 2020, New York will allow teens 16 years or older to preregister to vote, and the Board of Elections will automatically register those individuals once they turn 18.

• Why it matters: Encourages voting and makes it easier for young adults to get involved and vote. People who get involved in voting younger are more likely to become lifelong voters.

Registration Portability

• Before: When New Yorkers moved to a different county they had to re-register in order to vote at their new address.

• What we won: Starting March 25th, 2019, the Board of Elections will automatically update the registration of voters who move within New York State and fill out a change of address with USPS.

• Why it matters: Allows New Yorkers who move to vote at their new address without having to re-register.

Same Day Registration

• Today: The deadline to register to vote in New York is 25 days before the election. Currently the New York State constitution prohibits a registration date less than 10 days before the election, so same day registration wouldn’t be possible with standing law.

• What we won: A first step toward a constitutional amendment removing the ten-day requirement for voter registration.

• Why it matters: Will encourage voter turnout and allows more New Yorkers to participate in governmental decisions.

• What’s next: Constitutional amendments in New York need to pass the legislature in two consecutive sessions and then go to the voters as a ballot referendum.

FUNDING FOR EARLY VOTING & ELECTRONIC POLL BOOKS

• Today: For the first time ever, completely unprecedented: the state will provide funding to counties for the implementation of voting!

• What we won: $10 million for early voting and $14.7 million for electronic poll books. The funding can also be used for on demand ballot printers, updated machinery, and other structural investments.

• Why it matters: Early voting was passed after counties had already set their 2019 budgets, so they needed state support to cover start-up and implementation costs when it goes into effect this year.

• What’s next: We need to make sure early voting is successfully and equitably implemented on the county level.