Election Information crammed onto your Ballot in Tiny Font should soon become a thing of the past in New York.
State Lawmakers have Signed off on Legislation intended to make Ballots easier to understand. It includes Minimum Font-Size Requirements, simplified Voting Instructions, New Visual Aids for less Literate Voters and the Elimination of Superfluous Graphics.
The Proposal, if Approved by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, would Update State Laws crafted when there were Lever-Machine Voting Booths. It would also give County Boards of Elections Greater Control of what is Printed on the Ballot.
"The ballot will appear less cluttered," said Schenectady County Board of Elections Democratic Commissioner Amy Hild.
While most New Yorkers might not have struggled with Ballots in the Past, Darlene Harris, Schenectady County's Republican Elections Commissioner, said there are Voters every year who have difficulty reading Ballots. "We have provided little magnifying glasses ... because the print is so small," Harris said.
The Legislation also Mandates the Inclusion of Directions to Turn Over a Ballot in Cases where Voter Referendums are on the Back of the Ballot. Additionally, Questions for Voters could be provided on a Separate Section of the Ballot or on a Separate Sheet.
The Good Government Group Reinvent Albany, which Supports the Reform, predicts the Changes will make Ballots more Readable and Visually Appealing, and reduce common Mistakes Voters make when casting their Ballots.
"Passing this legislation will continue the Legislature's modernization of our outdated election system building on the sweeping reforms it made the first day of session," the Group wrote in a Memorandum of Support.
The Legislation wouldn't take effect until Next year if it becomes Law.
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker
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