Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre (D-Wheatley Heights) announced she is sponsoring legislation to temporarily reduce the number of signatures that candidates must collect for library board of trustees and school board nominating petitions due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic (A.5456).

“We must continue adapting to these trying times and do everything we can to ensure our democratic institutions remain strong,” Jean-Pierre said. “Public safety shouldn’t be put at risk for a few extra names – allowing candidates for library board of trustees and school boards to collect fewer signatures for their petitions during an ongoing pandemic is a commonsense measure. This measure will ensure candidates can organize their campaigns while respecting public health guidelines and keeping New Yorkers safe.”

Jean-Pierre’s bill would set a reduced signature threshold for library trustee and school board petitions for the 2021 election cycle. A similar bill was previously passed and signed into law in January that reduced the signature requirements for petitions in local races (Ch. 22 of 2021). Candidates for library and school boards deserve a similar temporary reduction for petitions as we continue to combat COVID-19 pandemic, noted Jean-Pierre.