(AG) Eric T. Schneiderman, February 11, 2017 — This week, alongside dozens of everyday New Yorkers, fellow elected officials and good government reformers, I introduced the New York Votes Act – a comprehensive reform package aimed at simplifying the voting process, boosting voter registration, and increasing voter turnout statewide.

The New York Votes Act would overhaul our state’s voting laws by making New York an early voting state, shortening party registration deadlines, and enacting other key reforms.

New York has long been a bastion of democracy, but our state’s current voting laws lag far behind virtually every other major state. Last year, my office’s voter hotline received more complaints from New Yorkers than anytime in history. Now, more than ever, we must reform or state’s voting laws and make it easier for New Yorkers to vote.

Read the full New York Votes Act here. Key provisions of the bill include:

• Automatic Registration of Eligible Voters
• Same-Day Registration For New Voters
• Online Personal Voter Registration and Absentee Ballot Applications
• Create a System of “Permanent” Voter Registration
• Enhance Poll Worker Training and Recruitment
• Increase Language Access to the Ballot
• Allow Registered Voters to Change Their Party Enrollment Closer to Primary Day
• Adopt a System of Early Voting
• Provide for “No Excuse” Absentee Voting
• Ensure Uniformity of Poll Site Hours Across the State
• Restore Voting Rights for Citizens on Parole

You can read more about my legislation to protect and expand New Yorkers voting rights in The State Of Politics, WNYC, The Times Union, AM New York, & WKBW Buffalo.