Dear New Yorker,
Voters shouldn't have to squint or use a magnifying glass in order to cast a ballot.
Yet, one of the most persistent complaints reported by New York City voters on Election Day is how difficult the ballot is to read, both in terms of font size and layout.
The "Voter Friendly Ballot Act," introduced by Assembly Member Brian Kavanagh and passed by the NYS Assembly in June 2012, would ensure that ballots are designed in a more user-friendly manner, making it easier for New Yorkers to cast their vote in future elections.
The NYC Council passed Resolution 671-A in support of this bill last year.
And just recently, we wrote to NYS Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos calling on him to take up this important piece of legislation as soon as a version of the bill has been introduced in the Senate.
While, unfortunately, this won't happen in time for the upcoming election, please know that we will continue to work closely with our state lawmakers in Albany to help improve voter access and experience at the polls.
In the meantime, if you or anyone you know has trouble reading the paper ballot on Election Day, you can ask one of the poll workers for a magnifying sleeve. Or you can let them know that you'd like to vote using the electronic ballot marking device (BMD) voting machine instead, which has a larger font.
For additional information about voting in New York City, please visit the NYC Board of Elections' website at http://www.vote.nyc.ny.us.
Thanks!
Sincerely,
Christine C. Quinn
Speaker
NYC Council
Gale A. Brewer
Chair, Governmental Operations Committee
NYC Council
Lewis A. Fidler
Lead Sponsor, Reso. 671-A
NYC Council