CONSERVATIVE PARTY of NEW YORK STATE
486 78th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11209
(718) 921-2158 Voice  * (718) 921-5268 Fax

 2022 Legislative Memo

IN OPPOSITION TO…

A. 6678-E Walker   S. 1046-E Myrie

TITLE:  An act to amend the election law, in relation to establishing the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of New York, establishing rights of action for denying or abridging of the right of any member of a protected class to vote, providing assistance to language-minority groups, requiring certain political subdivision to receive preclearance for potential violations of the NYVRA, and creating civil liability for voter intimidation.

PARTY POSITION:  The accompanying legislative support memo states that the purpose of this bill is to encourage participation in the elective franchise of all eligible voters to the maximum extent, to eligible voters who are members of racial, ethnic, and language-minority groups shall have an equal opportunity to participate in the political process of the State of New York, and especially to exercise the elective franchise; to improve the quality and availability of demographic and election data and to protect eligible voters against intimidation and deceptive practices.

Voting in New York State has never been easier.  Ballots are printed in many languages; early voting takes place for a full 10 days prior to election day, every effort is currently made to be completely inclusive and encouraging to voters.

Simply put this proposal is a method to resolve a problem that does not exist.  It seeks to change a system that has elected a diverse representation that reflects the diversity of New York State.

The proposal would impose civil penalties based on numerous perceived violations.

This proposed bill is unmanageable, extremely expensive and unnecessary.

The Conservative Party is strongly opposed to this proposal that seeks to provide a “protected class” that Election Law already protects.

LM 2022-007