New York State Board of Elections

Staff Study on New York State's Implementation of and Compliance with the National Voter Registration Act of 1993

Under the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, the states are required to make it easier for eligible citizens to register to vote in federal elections. In particular, the states are required to register voters through the mail, at motor vehicle offices, and at offices providing public assistance and services to disabled persons. In New York, the State Board of Elections coordinates the voter registration efforts of 14 different State agencies. We examined New York's compliance with the National Voter Registration Act and found that the State Board of Elections has made a good effort to coordinate voter registration efforts. However, while some State agencies (such as the Department of Motor Vehicles) have been effective in registering voters, other State agencies (such as the Department of Labor) have not ben effective. Like many other states, New York has not been effective in registering eligible public assistance recipients. We conclude that New York could more effectively monitor its voter registration efforts. 95-D-42