ALBANY – A bill to authorize the State Board of Elections to join a multi-state voter list maintenance organization – ERIC – has passed in the New York Senate. The measure is sponsored by Senator James Skoufis (D, Cornwall).
The senator notes that as the official record of all eligible voters, a state’s voter registration rolls are the foundation of free, fair, and accurate elections.
He said keeping voter rolls up to date can be a demanding obligation for states: Voters move and sometimes fail to change their registration, or pass away and family members forget to inform Board of Election officials. Maintaining accurate voter rolls reduces the opportunity for improper behavior and helps build confidence in election outcomes.
“Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democracy,” said Skoufis. , “The ERIC bill will direct New York State to join 23 other states — both Democratic-led and Republican-led — in a robust and safe data maintenance program.”
The bill now goes to the Assembly for its consideration.
