Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Elections topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Assembly approves amendment to allow absentee and early-mail ballots in secure drop boxes
Summary
The Assembly passed a chapter amendment expanding use of secure ballot drop boxes to accept absentee and early mail ballots and directing the State Board of Elections to issue security and chain-of-custody rules. Supporters said the change expands access; critics urged clearer mandatory security standards.
The New York State Assembly passed a chapter amendment to clarify that absentee and early mail ballots may be deposited in secure ballot drop boxes, and directed the State Board of Elections to promulgate implementing rules for site security, pickup procedures and chain of custody.
Sponsor "Mister Symone" told colleagues the change codifies practice from other states and aims to reduce mail-related ballot losses. "It authorizes local board of elections to establish locations where secure ballot drop boxes for voters to return their marked absentee and early mail ballots," the sponsor said, adding the county boards must post box locations the day they are established.
Opponents questioned whether the bill provided adequate, uniform security requirements for all counties. "Security on drop boxes for ballots... needs to be paramount when we're discussing this," said a critic during debate, urging either more legislative specificity or stronger state-level requirements.
The sponsor said the State Board of Elections will set statewide rules and local boards will implement security plans tailored to local conditions. The bill passed on a recorded vote (Ayes 94, Nos 47). The Assembly recorded several members’ explanations of vote during the tally.
