The New York State Senate today passed legislation, sponsored by Senator John Flanagan (R-C-I, East Northport), Chair of the Senate Elections Committee, that would require an individual to provide proof of citizenship, age and residency in order to register to vote.

"Voter fraud erodes the faith that residents have in our democratic system and New York State must do all it can to ensure honest elections. That will give those who exercise their right to vote the faith that the process they are participating in is fair and that their vote fully counts," said Senator Flanagan. "The law in our state is that you must be 18 years old and you must be a legal resident to vote and it the state’s obligation make sure that those who vote are entitled to do so."

"The right to vote and participate in our democracy is one of the most sacred privileges afforded to citizens of the United States," said Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno. "And it is our duty as legislators to protect that right and do everything in our power to ensure only those legally qualified to vote do so. This bill will protect the integrity of our voting process and at the same time encourage more citizens to exercise this fundamental right."

Under current election law, in order to register to vote an individual must be a United States citizen, be 18 years of age, and be a resident of the state, county, city or village in which they are registering to vote for a minimum of 30 days preceding election day. However, the Board of Elections only requires an oath or affirmation that the applicant is a citizen, of age, and meets the residency requirements -- no proof is required.

With the growth of the National Voter Registration Act, more commonly known as the Motor Voter Act, a great number of people have taken the opportunity to exercise their right to vote. However, additional safeguards that would have insured that only eligible voters are enrolled have not yet been enacted.

This legislation (S.6543-A) would provide those needed safeguards by requiring an applicant to provide proof of the three basic constitutionally mandated registration requirements -- citizenship, age, and residency -- in order to register to vote.

The bill was sent to the Assembly.

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