The number of polling locations will also raise costs for counties. Dustin Czarny, the Democratic elections commissioner in Onondaga County, said they are planning to have at least five early voting polling sites.
Piper Perabo, activists: NY budget must include funds for early voting – Auburnpub.com
“Czarny said state aid can help counties identify polling locations for early voting, pay inspectors and purchase electronic poll books. “The state and its leaders have a vested interest in making sure that this high-profile reform gets the proper funding so we can reach our full potential,” Czarny said. “
Piper Perabo + Experts Push for $$$ for Early Voting in NYS Budget – readMedia
“NY State leaders should be applauded for the dramatic reforms they have initiated to our electoral landscape. The budget should reflect the need to invest in our Democracy by funding these reforms and easing the burden on the Counties that host our Boards of Elections. Funding for initial capital and ongoing expenses is necessary for New York to be a true leader in Electoral Reform,” said Dustin Czarny, Onondaga County Elections Commissioner and member of NYS Elections Commissioner Association Democratic Caucus.
Central NY Republicans say voting reforms are costly, could disenfranchise voters – WRVO
Onondaga County Democratic Elections Commissioner Dustin Czarny says having one, instead of two primaries will save Onondaga County $174,000. “Some of these voting reforms are going to cost money,” Czarny said. “Some of these voting reforms are going to save money. But we believe all of them put together will increase participation and that’s the goal.”
Coalition to Cuomo: Add funds for early voting to NY budget plan – Auburnpub.com
“We urge both the Legislature and the governor to fulfill their promise to provide state funding for these reforms, especially early voting, so boards of elections will have the resources to fully enact these reforms so their maximum potential to transform New York’s electoral landscape can be reached,” Czarny said.
Governor Must Fund Early Voting in the Budget – Let NY Vote
“We are excited that the New York State Legislature acted quickly to enact significant Election Reform early in 2019 so we can bring these reforms to New Yorkers as soon as possible. We are also pleased the Governor has highlighted these reforms as a priority for his 100 Days Justice Agenda. We urge both the Legislature and the Governor to fulfill their promise to provide state funding for these reforms, especially Early Voting, so Boards of Elections will have the resources to fully enact these reforms so their maximum potential to transform New York electoral landscape can be reached,” Dustin Czarny, NYS Elections Commissioner Association Democratic Caucus
Protecting New York’s Democracy: Senate Democratic Majority Passes Historic Election Reforms – NYS Senate
Dustin M. Czarny, Democratic Caucus Chair of the NYS Elections Commissioner Association, said, “It is fitting that the most significant reform to New York State voting laws since women’s suffrage in New York has been brought about in part by our new Majority leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. She and the new unified State Government has delivered what voters demanded when they went to the polls in 2018, a modern voting system for a modern society. We look forward to implementing these reforms for the voters.”
Commissioner on a Car: Electoral Reform.
On Monday the NYS Legislature will pass Early Voting, June Primary, and start the constitutional process for Same Day Registration and No Fault Absentees. What does this mean for Onondaga County and NYS? I try to answer those questions and ask yours live as well.
https://www.facebook.com/dustinmczarny/videos/369414570545233
NYS Legislature must make voting reform job one
This past November, the citizens of New York turned out in record numbers to reform and reshape New York state government. Driving many voters to the polls was an effort to change our antiquated election system in New York state. Often these reforms were blocked by the Republican Party leadership in the New York state Senate. The voters rebelled against this and voted to unify New York state government with a mandate to reform our electoral process. The Legislature and Gov. Andrew Cuomo are promising to heed this call. We support this decision and urge them to act early in the next session to provide the reform voters want.
The Democratic elections commissioners of New York state are eager to enact these reforms. Last March, our caucus embraced many of the reforms that are being discussed today. We once again affirm our commitment to working with lawmakers on all sides to help shape reasonable and responsible legislation to modernize our electoral system. Among the many reforms needed we support the following:
A unified primary in June: New York state Is the only state in the nation that has two primaries for determining general election candidates. Our September primary is in violation of the federal MOVE Act and, for the last six years, this has resulted in two primaries in federal years — a federal primary in June and a local primary in September. It is estimated that this has cost New York state taxpayers $50 million each federal year and causes voter fatigue and confusion. A move to a June primary will not only save precious taxpayer dollars, but alleviate calendar issues that prevent other reforms. We urge an immediate adoption of a unified primary in June.
Early voting and no-fault absentee: Thirty-seven other states enjoy the convenience and benefit of early voting. This vital electoral tool for is long overdue in New York state. We urge the adoption of early voting with at least two full weekends for New York voters. We also urge a permanent funding source be provided from the state so the added cost is not a burden to county governments. A move to electronic poll books will also ensure the success of early voting and modernize the Election Day experience for voters. In addition we urge the Legislature to start the process of a constitutional amendment to move to a no-fault absentee voting system.
Modernize our registration system: New York state’s antiquated registration could benefit from proven reforms we see happening in other states. First among these reforms is automatic voter registration (AVR). A switch to an opt-out instead of an opt-in system will remove one of the biggest barriers to participation: registration. An online voter registration system managed by New York State Board of Elections will provide oversight to the Department of Motor Vehicles and other agencies, so they comply within guidelines to ensure accurate and timely registration. We also urge the Legislature to remove the restriction on polling places for affidavit ballots and start the constitutional process for same-day registration for all voters who may fall through the gaps of an AVR system.
End fusion voting: Many of the frustrations of our voting system stem from “fusion voting.” The fusion voting system encourages minor parties that are parties in name only, and act as cross-endorsement agents of major parties. Competition over minor party lines lead to ballot delays and voter confusion. We urge the legislature to take a serious look in to ending fusion voting and providing clarity to voters.
Make general Election Day a state holiday: We applaud the governor’s call for a state holiday for general Election Day. Not only will this properly emphasize the importance of Election Day, it will free up potential polling places in schools and much-needed inspectors from the ranks of municipal and state employees.
New York state voters have awaited reforms for a very long time. The Legislature should move quickly to pass legislation to start the process of reform over the next year. By the time New York state participates in our presidential election year of 2020, we should be well on the way of reforming our voting process. Voters of New York deserve swift answers to their calls for reform. It is our hope that with a unified New York state government, the obstacles of the past are removed and we can look forward to a bright future for our electoral system.
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Democrat Elections Commissioners Push for Reform _ Capital Tonight
Democratic elections commissioners in New York are backing several of the governor’s voting reforms and suggesting some of their own.
Earlier this week, Cuomo pushed for modernizing voter registration, adding early voting and vote by mail, and making election day a state holiday.
The Democratic Caucus of the New York State Elections Commissioner Association would also like to see early voting. Plus, they would like the state’s two primaries consolidated to a single day. And, they would like an end to fusion voting. Fusion voting lets candidates run on multiple ballot lines, but the commissioners say it just confuses voters.
The head of that caucus, Dustin Czarny, joins us to discuss. He is also the Democrat elections commissioner for Onondaga County.
