Political Calendar

Here are some of the things you can do:

1. Call Governor Pataki’s main line (518) 474-8390, at least once a week, with this message: In June of 2002, as NY State prepared to implement HAVA, you requested a change to the NY State Ballot requirement that would enable all people including those with disabilities, seniors and non-English speaking people their right to vote privately and independently. As a voting citizen of New York, I ask that you again appeal to the Legislature to alter the ballot requirement in Election Law and enable the Counties’ boards of Elections to purchase voting machines that can be used by all people including those of us with disabilities. This action, long past due, will insure that NY State would be in compliance with HAVA.

2. Call the Co-Chairs of the Joint Conference Committee (Senator Morahan at 518-455-3261, and Assemblyman Wright at 518-455-4793), at least twice a week, with this message: In June of 2002, the Governor and the Election Reform Task Force requested a change to the ballot requirement that would enable all people including those with disabilities, seniors and non-English speaking people their right to vote privately and independently on electronic voting machines. As a voting citizen of New York, I ask that you as a Chair of the HAVA Joint Conference Committee assert your authority and request that your fellow committee members do the same to achieve an accessible ballot that can be applied via a usable electronic voting machine in Election Law and enable the Counties’ Board’s of Elections to purchase voting machines that can be used by all people including those of us with disabilities. Additionally, as you are aware, should NYS fail to enact enabling legislation we stand to lose over 200 million dollars of federal HAVA money. The State needs this money in order to purchase fully accessible voting machines throughout the state and we cannot afford to squander such a landmark opportunity.

3. Call YOUR Legislator, at least once a week, with this message: In June of 2002, the Governor and the Election Reform Task Force requested a change to the ballot requirement that would enable all people including those with disabilities, seniors and non-English speaking people their right to vote privately and independently. As your constituent, I ask that you assert your authority and request that your colleagues do the same to achieve an accessible ballot that can be applied via a usable electronic voting machine in Election Law and enable the Counties’ Board’s of Elections to purchase voting machines that can be used by all people including those of us with disabilities. Additionally, should NYS fail to enact enabling legislation we stand to lose over 200 million dollars of federal HAVA money. The State needs this money in order to purchase fully accessible voting machines throughout the state and we cannot afford to squander such a landmark opportunity

4. Write a letter to the editor and distribute it to your local papers. We need to strike up an interest in making this change. The legislators need to know there is a problem and that the community is demanding resolution.

5. IF YOU ARE A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY AND ARE BEING DENIED YOUR RIGHT TO CAST A PRIVATE AND INDEPENDENT VOTE

• REGISTER TO VOTE

• GO TO YOUR POLLING SITE ON PRIMARY DAY AND ELECTION DAY

• TAKE THE VOTER DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT FORM WITH YOU

• FILL IT OUT AND RETURN IT TO:

Catskill Center for Independence

PO Box 1247 Oneonta, NY 13820

Fax: 607-432-6907

Or you can fill it out online!

AMENDMENTS NEEDED TO NYS ELECTION LAW

New Yorkers with disabilities must have amendments made to state election law in order to comply with a Federal District Court decision won by NYS Attorney General Eliot Spitzer in February 2000 and the Federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA). This language must ensure full access to voting machines, electronic ballots and polling sites (see below).

• Voting Machines - All new voting machines must allow people with disabilities to vote in a “private and independent manner.” The language must include a description of basic features required on all voting machines to accommodate various disabilities. In addition, every polling site must have at least one accessible voting machine and all new voting technology purchased to replace older machines must be accessible.

• Electronic Ballot – The full-face ballot requirement should be eliminated. Existing law refers to the print in a ballot frame based on the assumption of paper (i.e., white background with print in black ink), which is inappropriate when applied to current voting technology. The definition must be updated to reflect what constitutes an electronic ballot with multi-screen capability. The language requires that all non-paper ballots be electronically displayed with the ability to adjust their font size and contrast.

• Polling Sites - Current waiver language must be eliminated from state law and require that all polling sites be accessible to people with disabilities across New York State. Reference should be made to ADA accessibility guidelines.

Failure to amend election law will only perpetuate the inconsistent interpretation and implementation of voting access for people with disabilities across this state.

Mail registration: Applications must be postmarked not later than August 20th and received by the Board of Elections not later than August 25th.

In person registration: Application must be received no later than August 20th.

Change of address: Change of address from registered voters must be received by August 25th.

Mail registration: Applications must be postmarked not later than October 8th and received by the Board of Elections not later than October 13th.

In person registration: Application must be received no later than October 8th.

Change of address: Change of address from registered voter must be received by October 13th.

September 13 Last day to postmark ballot. Must be received by the county board no later than September 21st.

November 1 Last day to postmark ballot. Must be received by the county board no later than November 9th.