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Election inspector measure to ensure fairness, protect voters

ALBANY – Governor Cuomo has signed Senator Catharine Young’s (R,C,I- 57th District) bill into law that would permit the practice of split shifts for election inspectors who work at the polls on Election Day.

“Our Election Day polls represent the front lines of our democratic process, making it critically important that they are fully staffed with qualified workers who can monitor the process, answer questions, and tabulate results. However, securing the necessary number of inspectors has become increasingly challenging due, in part, to the exceptionally strenuous time frame associated with the job,” said Senator Young.

Currently, election inspectors must commit to working the entire day. During most elections, polls are open for an average of sixteen hours with additional time typically required to prepare and close down polling sites. It is increasingly difficult to find inspectors willing or able to commit to such a taxing workday, particularly among the senior volunteers who have traditionally been the largest pool of election workers. This new law permits Boards of Election to divide the shift, thereby eliminating a major obstacle to election inspector recruitment and retention. The payment for each worker would be adjusted accordingly.

“State law requires that polling places be supervised by at least one inspector from each of the two major political parties throughout the entire time they are open. Allowing Boards of Election the option of dividing shifts will help attract new volunteers and also ensure that inspectors are engaged, responsive and focused on their duties, rather than being fatigued by a marathon workday,” she added. “This measure will protect the integrity of our election process.”

The law will take effect on Sunday, March 11, 2018.

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