N.Y. Democrats introduce bill allowing delay of special election – Spectrum News
Source Link
Excerpt:
Lawmakers have introduced a bill that would allow Gov. Kathy Hochul to delay special elections in New York, and therefore the anticipated race to replace Rep. Elise Stefanik in the 21st Congressional District if she is confirmed as UN ambassador.
Current law requires the governor to schedule a special election within 90 days of a declared congressional vacancy. A bill carried by Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie in their respective houses would provide the governor with the option to delay that to the general election.
The bill, and Stewart-Cousins herself, claim the move is meant to streamline election efficiency and increase voter turnout.
“Right now, New Yorkers are facing unprecedented challenges including the strain on our democracy and our high cost of living,” she said in a statement. “At a time when people need our government to work more efficiently, this legislation is a common-sense approach that saves taxpayer dollars while maximizing voter turnout. In this moment of national uncertainty, we must protect democratic participation while ensuring the government remains fiscally responsible. This legislation achieves both.”
This justification is written into the bill’s official language.