New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S07689

Introduced
4/29/25  
Refer
4/29/25  
Engrossed
6/11/25  
Refer
6/11/25  

Caption

Authorizes electronic absentee ballot applications for military voters and special federal voters; removes requirements that the federal post card application form be included with certain ballot application and ballots; requires institutions of higher education to provide students studying abroad with information on how to vote from abroad.

Impact

The proposed changes will significantly impact the election laws in New York by allowing military and special federal voters to apply for ballots electronically, which enhances accessibility for voters in challenging circumstances. Institutions of higher education will be mandated to provide enrolled students studying abroad with relevant information and forms to exercise their voting rights effectively, ensuring that education does not come at the cost of civic participation. This is particularly relevant as more students pursue international studies.

Summary

Bill S07689 primarily focuses on improving the voting processes for military and special federal voters. It authorizes electronic absentee ballot applications for these voters and removes pre-existing requirements, such as the necessity for including the Federal Post Card Application form with certain ballot applications and ballots. The bill aims to streamline the voting experience for military members who may be deployed overseas and have challenges participating in elections due to their service commitments.

Contention

However, the bill may face pushback regarding its implications for ensuring the integrity of the voting process. Concerns may arise about the security of electronic applications and the effectiveness of the measures in preventing fraudulent activities. Stakeholders, including election officials and advocacy groups, will likely debate the balance between accessibility for military voters and protecting the electoral process's integrity, underscoring the ongoing discourse surrounding voting reforms.

Companion Bills

NY A08257

Same As Authorizes electronic absentee ballot applications for military voters and special federal voters; removes requirements that the federal post card application form be included with certain ballot application and ballots; requires institutions of higher education to provide students studying abroad with information on how to vote from abroad.

Previously Filed As

NY A08257

Authorizes electronic absentee ballot applications for military voters and special federal voters; removes requirements that the federal post card application form be included with certain ballot application and ballots; requires institutions of higher education to provide students studying abroad with information on how to vote from abroad.

NY S08644

Relates to the state board of elections creating uniform ballots for early mail, absentee, military and special voters who vote by mail; creates an electronic mail ballot application transmittal system; repeals certain provisions of the election law.

NY HB499

In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots, for date of application for absentee ballot, for envelopes for official absentee ballots and for voting by absentee electors and providing for secure ballot return receptacles; and, in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots, for date of application for mail-in ballot, for approval of application for mail-in ballot, for envelopes for official mail-in ballots and for voting by mail-in electors.

NY HB473

In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots; and, in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots.

NY HB1162

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in county boards of elections, furth er providing for powers and duties of county boards; in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for manner of applying to vote, persons entitled to vote, voter's certificates, entries to be made in district register, numbered lists of voters and challenges and for ballots to be issued by election officers only, ballots not to be removed and official ballots only to be deposited or counted; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots, for date of application for absentee ballot, for official absentee voters ballots, for voting by absentee electors and for canvassing of official absentee absentee ballots and mail-in ballots; in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots, for official mail-in elector ballots and for voting by mail-in electors.

NY HB45

Absentee voting; designee to deliver voter's absentee ballot application and absentee ballot to absentee election manager for disabled voter, authorized

NY HB77

Voting, absentee voting; designee to deliver voter's absentee ballot application and absentee ballot to absentee election manager for disabled voter, authorized

NY SB1879

Absentee ballots; prescribing qualifying justification for absentee ballot applications. Effective date.

NY S05183

Includes a statement on the envelopes of ballots for early mail voters, absentee voters and special presidential voters for signature affirmation.

NY A08310

Amends early voting provisions; provides that an application for an absentee ballot that does not provide a reason that the applicant is entitled to such a ballot shall be processed as an application for an early mail ballot.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.