New York Expands Voting on College Campuses and More in 2023 Budget

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Saturday, Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) signed New York State’s 2023 budget into law, which includes several pro-voting measures. The legislation mandates polling places at all colleges in New York with more than 300 registered voters. This provision is a result of two lawsuits filed in 2020 and 2021 to help bring polling places to the students at Bard College. The law also prevents campuses from being divided across multiple voting districts.

Additionally, as part of the $220 billion state budget slated for the next fiscal year, the Board of Elections is now required to send pre-paid postage with any mail-in ballot envelopes sent to voters.