File #: Res 0799-2025    Version: * Name: Direct the state board of elections to study and evaluate the use of blockchain technology to protect voter records and election results (A. 2561).
Type: Resolution Status: Committee
Committee: Committee on Governmental Operations, State & Federal Legislation
On agenda: 3/12/2025
Enactment date: Law number:
Title: Resolution calling on the State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A. 2561, which would direct the state board of elections to study and evaluate the use of blockchain technology to protect voter records and election results
Sponsors: Nantasha M. Williams, Julie Menin, Chris Banks
Council Member Sponsors: 3
Attachments: 1. Res. No. 799, 2. March 12, 2025 - Stated Meeting Agenda

Res. No. 799

 

Resolution calling on the State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A. 2561, which would direct the state board of elections to study and evaluate the use of blockchain technology to protect voter records and election results

 

By Council Members Williams, Menin and Banks

 

Whereas, Free and fair elections are a cornerstone of democracy; and

Whereas, The security of our voting systems is essential for creating trust in our elections; and

Whereas, A United States Senate Select Committee on Intelligence (“Select Committee”) found that in 2016, every state’s election infrastructure was likely targeted by Russian operatives; and

Whereas, According to the Brennan Center for Justice, the United States aging voting infrastructure leaves the our election system vulnerable to attack; and

Whereas, The Select Committee recommended that “despite the expense cybersecurity needs to become a higher priority for election-related infrastructure”; and

Whereas, Voters are concerned about the security of our elections; and

Whereas, A blockchain is a decentralized digital ledger that stores information; and

Whereas, Information stored in a blockchain cannot be altered; and

Whereas, Proponents of blockchain claim that they provide security guarantees that can render elections safe from cyber attacks; and

Whereas, According to the Brookings Institution, blockchain technology has the potential to combat voter fraud and ensure that every vote is counted; and

Whereas, Blockchain technology has already been used by absentee and overseas military voters in elections in West Virginia and Colorado; and

Whereas, A.2561, introduced in the New York State Assembly by Assembly Member Clyde Vanel and pending in the New York State Assembly directs the New York State Board of Elections to study and evaluate the use of blockchain technology to protect voter records and election results; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls calling on the State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, A. 2561, which would direct the state board of elections to study and evaluate the use of blockchain technology to protect voter records and election results.

 

 

LS #18599

2/14/25

EHC