De Blasio Joins End-of-Session Push on Electoral Reform

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio is preparing to jump-start his push for electoral reform as the state legislative session winds into its final few weeks.

Last fall, the mayor called for a series of changes to state law, including adding early voting and electronic poll books. But he hasn't led the charge since then. Asked Wednesday about whether he’ll advocate for electoral reform during the remainder of the session, de Blasio said he’s preparing to launch a “major effort on that front.”  

“Because I think people really want electoral reform in this state, and there's a chance to do it, and it's about creating the pressure needed to achieve it, so we're going to be doing a lot in the next few weeks about it,” said de Blasio.

But some of that effort is already underway. Local activists using the hashtag #EasyElectionsNY launched a tweet-storm Wednesday targeting Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, and Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan, a Republican. 

NYers want basic democracy reforms! @LeaderFlanagan @NYGovCuomo move S2950 & S2788 to the Senate floor for a vote! #EasyElectionsNY pic.twitter.com/aMvAANoNns

— Rock the Vote (@RockTheVote) May 31, 2017

NY is one of only 13 states without Early Voting. @LeaderFlanagan @NYGovCuomo Move S2950 & S2788 to the floor for a vote! #EasyElectionsNY"

— Michelle Sutton (@troutlettuce) May 31, 2017

NYers deserve 21st century elections. @LeaderFlanagan @NYGovCuomo move S2950 & S2788 to the Senate floor for a vote! #EasyElectionsNY pic.twitter.com/0d48FtDP5P

— MaketheRoadNewYork (@MaketheRoadNY) May 31, 2017

They want at least two bills — on early voting (S2950) and electronic poll books (S2788) — to move to the floor for a vote. Both bills have passed the Democrat-controlled Assembly, but they're stuck in committee in the Senate.

In January, Cuomo included electoral reforms in his State of the State and budget proposal, as he has in years past. But in April, he told reporters that, “if we didn’t get it done in the budget, it means you didn’t have the political will to get it done.” His comments came just weeks after saying he would, “try like heck,” to pass the bills after the budget was passed.

In a statement, the governor’s spokeswoman said Cuomo is still a champion of electoral reform.

“Since taking office, the governor has repeatedly proposed voting reforms that have been opposed by the legislature and stalled during the budget process. We will continue to push to modernize our election system and we will work with all parties who join in those efforts,” said Dani Lever.

A spokesman for the Senate Majority Leader did not respond to a request for comment.

Assembly member Brian Kavanagh, a Democrat representing Manhattan's East Side and a member of the Election Law Committee, said his chamber has made it clear that it is ready to reform election law across the board, noting that the Assembly has already passed its most sweeping package of reforms to date.

“It deals with virtually every reform that would bring New York into line with the states that are most interested in ensuring that people are permitted to vote efficiently and without unnecessary obstacles,” said Kavanagh, adding, “and we’ve done it at a time in the session when there is plenty of time left for the Senate and the governor to join us.”

Kavanagh said he and other proponents are actively seeking support for their proposals from state leaders before the session adjourns on June 21. He also welcomed de Blasio’s support.

“This is Albany, so it’s obviously something we have to work out at the state level,” said Kavanagh. But he added, “If he’s ready to roll up his sleeves and help get this done, I think that will be welcome.”