Int. No. 2205
By Council Members Kallos and Yeger
A Local Law to amend the New York city charter, in relation to early voting
Be it enacted by the Council as follows:
Section 1. Chapter 46 of the New York city charter is amended by adding a new section 1057-h to read as follows:
§ 1057-h. Early voting.
a. For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings:
Board of elections. The term “board of elections” means the board of elections in the city of New York.
Covered election. The term “covered election” means any election administered by the board of elections for which early voting is authorized pursuant to subdivision 1 of section 8-600 of the election law.
Early voting. The term “early voting” means voting in the manner authorized by title VI of article eight of the election law.
Early voting period. The term “early voting period” means the period during which early voting is permitted pursuant to subdivision 1 of section 8-600 of the election law.
b. 1. Throughout the early voting period, polling places in the city of New York shall be open for early voting from:
(a) No later than eight o’clock in the morning until no earlier than eight o’clock in the evening on each week day; and
(c) No later than nine o’clock in the morning until no earlier than five o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday and Sunday.
2. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit the board of elections from establishing a greater number of hours for voting during the early voting period beyond the number of hours required by this subdivision.
c. 1. For each covered election taking place prior to January 1, 2023, the board of elections shall designate no fewer than two polling places for early voting in each council district.
2. For each covered election taking place on or after January 1, 2023, the board of elections shall designate no fewer than four polling places for early voting in each council district.
3. The board of elections shall use reasonable efforts, which shall include, but need not be limited to, collaborating with council members and community boards, to designate additional polling places for early voting beyond the minimum numbers required by paragraphs one and two; provided, however, that the board of elections shall not be required to designate more than eight early voting polling places in any council district.
d. 1. Paragraph (c) of subdivision two of section 8-600 of the election law shall not apply to any primary or special election in the city of New York.
2. To the extent any other provision of title VI of article eight of the election law or any rule or regulation promulgated thereunder is inconsistent with a provision of this section, the provision of this section shall apply.
§ 2. This local law takes effect immediately.
CJM
LS # 16615
12/17/2020