Explanation of Bill S7293
Explanation of Bill S7293
The purpose of this bill is to amend the education law in the state of New York to address the voting rights of military personnel (referred to as "military voters") in school board elections and referenda.
The bill introduces several definitions related to military voters. It defines "military service" as any form of military service, including the branches of the military and related organizations. "Military voters" are defined as qualified voters who are serving or have served in the military or are immediate family members of such voters who are accompanying or being with them. "Military ballots" refer to the official ballots used by military voters in these elections.
The bill establishes that military voters have the option to receive their military ballot by mail, fax, or email. If a military voter does not specify a preference, the board of education will automatically send them the ballot by mail. If the voter chooses fax or email, but fails to provide the necessary contact information, the board of education will send the required application or ballot by mail and request the missing information.
The returned military ballots must be sent by mail or delivered in person. The board of education must mail or distribute the military ballots based on the preferred method no later than 25 days before the election. These ballots must be treated and processed the same way absentee ballots are handled.
The board of education is responsible for verifying and counting the military ballots received before the polls close on election day. The board of inspectors will process these ballots in the same manner as they do absentee ballots.
Three days before the distribution of military ballots, the board of education must determine the names of all candidates and the referenda to be included in the military ballots. If any candidate is later found to have an invalid nomination, the ballot is still valid, but votes for that candidate will not be counted. The failure to include a candidate or a question on the military ballot will not affect the validity of the election results regarding the specific office or any other matter.
The bill grants the Department of Education the authority to take necessary measures to make the distribution of military ballots effective, including utilizing federal or other facilities.
The provisions of this bill should be interpreted broadly to ensure military voters have the opportunity to vote. The Department of Education has the power to create regulations to enforce these provisions.
Section 2 amends an existing law to reflect the incorporation of military ballots in addition to absentee ballots for board of education elections.
This act will take effect immediately upon its passing.