They want to change New York's voting laws.
State lawmakers say there's a way to keep voters waiting in line from becoming unruly or passing out: feed them.
A bill introduced by Rep. Jo Ann Simon (D-Brooklyn) would allow election workers and party/election officials to provide “nominal” snacks and snacks to New Yorkers waiting to vote. .
“Despite ongoing efforts to make voting more accessible in New York State, long lines at some polling places still exist,” Simon wrote in the bill memo. said. “Leaving in line just to get a glass of water can cost you your voter standing, and that’s often not an option for people who take time off from work.
“Voting should not be an endurance test, and allowing organizations to provide nominal refreshments will help protect their franchises until voting is no longer a burden.”
A similar bill had previously passed the state Senate. The bill is sponsored by state Sen. Zellner Milley (D-Brooklyn), who is running for mayor.
However, it has not passed in the Democratic-run Congress.
Georgia officials passed a new voting law in 2021 that includes a ban on giving water or food within a certain distance of voters or polling places. The ban on the provision of such products became a nationwide issue.
This issue became the subject of satire Larry David's “Curb Your Enthusiasm” He was arrested after handing a bottle of water to a friend while waiting in line to vote in the sweltering heat.
Election commission poll workers, political party representatives and campaign workers will be allowed to distribute low-cost snacks, water and soft drinks.
Still, people who hand out snacks without ID can be arrested and charged with a Class A misdemeanor.
