Ballot initiatives seek to make it easier for New Yorkers to vote By Luke Perry
New York voters will vote on five ballot initiatives, two of which reform statewide voting procedures. Ballot Proposal #3 eliminates ten-day advance voter registration. Ballot Proposal #4 eliminates “excuse” absentee voting that currently allows people to vote absentee only if they are away or ill on election day.
The U.S. is unique compared to other democracies in regard to voter registration. Most democracies require the government to register all eligible citizens to vote. U.S. citizens must register themselves to vote. This task is complicated by federalism.
States have the sole power to administer all elections, including national elections, resulting in 50 different electoral systems. These vary significantly in terms of how people register to vote, how people vote, and the deadlines and procedures for each.
Such variety and complexity can create confusion for people seeking to vote.
Registration challenges have impacted voter turnout. Turnout is lower in the U.S. than other industrial democracies.
There is a strong correlation between registering to vote and turning out to vote. As a result, it is reasonable to expect higher voter turnout in New York if registering to vote becomes easier.
What New Yorkers are considering in Ballot Proposals #3 and #4 is commonplace around the country.
20 states currently have same-day voter registration. All of these states employ various security measures, including providing proof of identification and residency.
34 states currently have no-excuse absentee voting. Five of these states conduct elections entirely by mail, so voters do not need to even request ballots.
Luke Perry is Professor of Political Science at Utica College
