For New Yorkers, as for all Americans, the right to vote is a fundamental part of what it means to be a U.S. citizen. Voting is, after all, the foundation of our democracy.

Unfortunately, certain states have passed laws that restrict access to the ballot box and limit the ability of citizens to participate in government. Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and others are considering or implementing more stringent voter identification laws that target minorities, low-income voters and students.¹ In Texas, for example, concealed-handgun permits are now accepted as valid forms of voter identification, but student IDs are not.²

Supposedly, voter identification laws are necessary to prevent those who are ineligible from participating in elections. However, cases of in-person voter fraud are exceedingly rare. A study by the U.S. Department of Justice showed that out of 197 million votes cast in federal elections between 2002 and 2005, only 40 voters were indicted for fraud, and only 26 (or about .00000013 percent) were convicted.³ Yet, voter identification laws are clearly restrictive to certain demographics – such as low-income voters and urban populations – who often don’t have the particular forms of identification accepted under these laws.⁴

Laws that restrict voting are as harmful as they are misguided. That’s why here in New York, the Assembly Majority is working hard to protect and expand voting rights for all who are eligible. This year, I sponsored legislation that will establish early voting in every general, primary and special election in the state (A.689-A). The bill ensures that voters who are disabled, elderly or work non-traditional hours will have ample opportunity to cast their votes.

Additionally, legislation was recently introduced to bring New York State into compliance with the federal Military and Overseas Voter Empowerment (MOVE) Act. The federal law specifies election requirements to accommodate citizens who are serving overseas in the military. The Assembly’s legislation would save localities money by consolidating the election calendar so that state and federal primaries are held on the same day – the fourth Tuesday in June (A.8198).

A third piece of legislation passed by the Assembly makes it easier for young adults to participate in elections by allowing them to pre-register to vote (A.2042-A). Specifically, the bill gives 16- and 17-year-olds the option of submitting their voter information ahead of time so they can be automatically registered when they turn 18, pending verification of their address and qualifications. Together, these three measures remove barriers that often prevent New Yorkers from participating in elections.

Expanding access and protecting one’s right to vote should be the goal of every elected official, and I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure that every voice is heard, every vote is counted and every citizen has an equal opportunity to participate in our government.

1. ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/voter-id.aspx

2. nytimes.com/2013/08/28/opinion/the-fight-for-voting-rights-50-years-later.html

3. abcnews.go.com/Politics/OTUS/voter-fraud-real-rare/story?id=17213376

4. nytimes.com/2012/08/31/us/court-blocks-tough-voter-id-law-in-texas.html