The Office of the New York State Attorney General (OAG) has adopted a new rule related to the New York Voting Rights Act (NYVRA). This rule is designed to protect the right to vote.
The NYVRA has requirements for some local jurisdictions (covered entities) when they wish to make certain types of changes to their voting or elections procedures (covered policies). The jurisdictions must submit their proposed changes to OAG’s Civil Rights Bureau or to an appropriate court. The changes can be made only if they are approved.
The process of submitting the proposed changes and receiving approval is called preclearance. Under the NYVRA, OAG has the authority to make rules related to preclearance.
The new rule relates to:
The OAG published a notice of proposed rulemaking for this new rule on May 28, 2024, and held a public comment period through August 12, 2024. The final rule was published in the State Register on September 11, 2024, and will take effect on September 22, 2024.