(As Chair of the Democratic Caucus of NYSECA I will from time to time issue Memorandums of Support on Election bills before the NYS Legislature. I am posting them on my website for lawmakers and the public to know our positions. You can see my caucus’ legislative priorities here as well as the Bi-Partisan Legislative agenda for NYSECA here. This bill is part of a list of bills that we were asked to consider by Assembly members or Senators to support. You can read that list here. If you agree with this bill consider contacting your local representative and asking them to support the bill.)
Memorandum of Support
Bill: S4496
Sponsor: Gounardes
Summary: Requires SUNY and CUNY institutions to grant course credit to students who serve as election inspectors, poll clerks, or election coordinators
Justification: The NYS Election Commissioners Association Democratic Caucus supports S4496, which would require the Board of Trustees to consult with boards of elections to adopt a policy requiring that each SUNY campus grant course credit to students for their service as an election inspector, poll clerk, or election coordinator at a polling site in this state. The policy shall include a verification procedure for students claiming credit. The Democratic Commissioners encourage this effort to engage with the student population on the importance of taking an active part of our Democratic process. This will also serve to bolster our poll inspector ranks which is always desirable.
The Democratic Caucus supports this bill. Passing this bill will strengthen the backbone of our bi-partisan election system in New York and we urge the legislature to pass this bill and the Governor to sign it as soon as possible.
Dustin M. Czarny 