New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S01649

Introduced
1/13/25  
Refer
1/13/25  

Caption

Relates to the order of candidate and delegate names on primary ballots in cities with a population of one million or more as of the latest federal decennial census and provides for a rotation of names in subsequent elections.

Impact

This legislation aims to enhance accessibility and reduce confusion during primary elections, particularly in densely populated areas like New York City. By implementing a systematic rotation of candidate names, the bill seeks to diminish potential biases that may arise from fixed ballot positions. With the anticipated increase in clarity, officials believe that voter engagement may improve, and candidates will benefit from an equal representation on ballots irrespective of their alphabetical order, potentially leading to fairer electoral outcomes.

Summary

Bill S01649, introduced in the New York Senate, focuses on amending election laws concerning the order of candidate and delegate names on primary election ballots in cities with populations exceeding one million, as recorded by the latest federal decennial census. The bill intends to standardize how candidate names are arranged on ballots to improve clarity and fairness in the voting process. It specifies that candidates will be listed alphabetically by surname, and if their surnames are identical, their first names will be used to break the tie. Furthermore, candidate names will be rotated among election districts to ensure equitable visibility across different ballots in subsequent elections.

Contention

The bill could encounter significant debate as it may affect the traditional practices of ballot design and voting protocols. Advocates argue that the uniformity provided by the bill will streamline the voting process and support informed decision-making among voters. However, opponents might raise concerns about unintended consequences, such as the complexities that arise from implementing such rotation rules. They may question whether the benefits of clarity truly outweigh the logistical challenges this bill may impose on election boards, particularly in urban environments that already face its own set of electoral issues.

Companion Bills

NY A07858

Same As Relates to the order of candidate and delegate names on primary ballots in the city of New York and provides for a rotation of names in subsequent elections.

Previously Filed As

NY A07858

Relates to the order of candidate and delegate names on primary ballots in the city of New York and provides for a rotation of names in subsequent elections.

NY S07401

Relates to party nominations for candidates for office, excluding counties located within cities with a population of one million or more.

NY HB735

In nomination of candidates, further providing for casting of lots for position of names upon the primary ballots or ballot labels and notice to candidates; in ballots, further providing for form of official election ballot and providing for order of candidates on the ballot; in voting machines, further providing for demonstration of voting machines; and, in Pennsylvania Election Law Advisory Board, providing for ballot order randomization study.

NY HB2045

Ballot order; names; parties; rotation

NY A00722

Orders the names on ballots for special elections in the same manner as ordered for general and primary elections.

NY HB130

Relative to the arrangement of candidates on primary election ballots

NY A08922

Provides a tax exemption on real property owned by active auxiliary police officers in local law enforcement agencies in certain counties having a population of more than 1.38 million and less than 1.42 million, determined in accordance with the latest federal decennial census.

NY HB1068

Municipal general election ballots; provide that only the names of those opposed candidates shall be printed upon.

NY S08063

Provides for relocation and employment assistance credits in cities with a population of one million or more.

NY A08676

Provides for relocation and employment assistance credits in cities with a population of one million or more.

Similar Bills

AR SB425

To Amend Various Provisions Of The Arkansas Code Concerning Enhanced Transportation; And To Declare An Emergency.

KY HR1

A RESOLUTION establishing the 2025 membership of the Kentucky State House of Representatives.

KY HR1

A RESOLUTION establishing the 2026 membership of the Kentucky State House of Representatives.

TX HB5663

Relating to the authority of the Wood County Central Hospital District of Wood County, Texas, to provide brain and memory care services to residents of the hospital district through the creation and operation of brain and memory health care services districts.

LA HB719

Provides relative to the number of assistant district attorneys in each judicial district (RE +$2,274,000 GF EX See Note)

LA SB454

Provides for a population based allocation of assistant district attorney positions in the state. (7/1/26) (OR +$397,950 GF EX See Note)

CA AB2482

School districts: reorganization.

KY SB1

AN ACT relating to education.