S 654 New York Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Relates to designating early polling places

This bill amends election law to establish rules for designating polling places used during early voting periods. It prohibits public school buildings from being used as early voting locations and requires that if a public building (other than a school) is selected, the controlling entity must provide an accessible, suitable room for voting unless they file a cancellation request within 30 days. The bill also allows religious organization buildings as polling places (with exemptions for Saturday voter registration if it conflicts with religious beliefs) and bans alcohol-serving establishments from being designated on registration or voting days. Boards of elections must finalize these designations by March 15th each year, with adjustments permitted if locations become unsuitable.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
May 2026
Senate Passage
May 2026
Assembly Passage
Governor
Introduced Jan 8, 2025 Last action May 7, 2026
Floor votes · Senate Mar 3, 2025

How they voted

556
Passed · 2 other
Total votes 63
Mar 3, 2025
D Democratic41
38 Yea 1 Nay 2
92% Yea
R Republican22
17 Yea 5 Nay
77% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
16
Key actions
2
Committee
4
May 7, 2026
Committee
REFERRED TO ELECTION LAW
lower
May 7, 2026
Upper · Passed
PASSED SENATE
upper
Jan 7, 2026
Committee
REFERRED TO ELECTIONS
upper
Mar 3, 2025
Committee
REFERRED TO ELECTION LAW
lower
Mar 3, 2025
Upper · Passed
PASSED SENATE
upper
Jan 8, 2025
Committee
REFERRED TO ELECTIONS
upper
1 primary · 1 co-sponsor

Sponsors