RESOLUTION NO. 152
ESTABLISHING A VOTER RIGHTS DISCLOSURE POLICY FOR ALL POLLING PLACES MANAGED BY THE ALBANY COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS
Introduced: 4/10/23
By Peter, Reidy, Lekakis, A. Joyce, Feeney, McLaughlin, Cleary, Kuhn, Miller, Domalewicz and Commisso:
WHEREAS, In 2022 the New York State Legislature passed the most expansive state level voting rights act in the country, which expands access to voting by prohibiting voter dilution, suppression, intimidation, deception or obstruction, and
WHEREAS, These rights, along with those guaranteed by the Constitutions of the United States and the State of New York should be provided to voters at the place they cast their ballots, and
WHEREAS, The Albany County Board of Elections conducts the elections for all Federal, State, and County offices, and assists almost all local elections, which allows them to provide information to voters at the polling place, and
WHEREAS, The Albany County Board of Elections has agreed to assist in providing access to the New York State Voting Bill of Rights and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) related to voting at each polling site they manage, now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the Albany County Board of Elections is hereby authorized and encouraged to apply for prior approval from the New York State Board of Elections for such language in accordance with New York Election Law 8-104 (1-a), and, be it further
RESOLVED, upon receiving approval from the State Board of Elections, the election inspectors shall cause a copy of the approved Appendix A to be posted conspicuously within each polling place in the County of Albany that is managed by the Albany County Board of Elections, and, be it further
RESOLVED, That the 2023 Albany County Budget is amended to pay for the production of such fliers as follows:
Decrease Appropriation Account A1990.4 by $5,000 by decreasing Line Item A1990 4 4999 Miscellaneous Contractual Expense $5,000
Increase Appropriation Account A1450.4 by $5,000 by increasing Line Item A1450 4 4046 Fees For Services by $10,000
and, be it further,
RESOLVED, That the Clerk of the County Legislature is directed to forward certified copies of this resolution to the appropriate County Officials.
Referred to Law and Audit and Finance Committees - 4/10/23
Favorable Recommendation Law Committee - 5/24/23
Favorable Recommendation Audit and Finance Committee - 5/25/23