Showing posts with label election law. Show all posts
Showing posts with label election law. Show all posts
Monday, December 9, 2024
Second Amendment Legal Update, December 2024
A monthly update, prepared for the Schuyler County Chapter of S.C.O.P.E. NY, a statewide 501(c)4 organization dedicated to preserving the 2nd Amendment rights for the residents of New York State. For a complete copy of this month’s report, click here.
Monday, October 28, 2024
New York State Announces Election Protection Hotline Ahead of November General Election
Voters Experiencing Problems Can Consult Frequently Asked Questions, Call (866) 390-2992, or Request Assistance Online
The hotline will be available to troubleshoot and resolve a range of issues encountered by voters, including issues voting by absenteeballot, early mail ballot, or in-person at their polling place. The telephone hotline will be open between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM during early voting (Saturday, October 26 through Sunday, November 3), and between 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5. The hotline will also be available the day before and after Election Day, Monday, November 4 and Wednesday, November 6, between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM.Written requests for assistance may be submitted at any time through the online complaint form.
A guide addressing frequently asked questions is also currently available to assist voters with, among other things, the absentee and early mail ballot process and voter registration issues.
Monday, September 2, 2024
Second Amendment Legal Update: September 2024
A monthly update, prepared for the Schuyler County Chapter of S.C.O.P.E. NY, a statewide 501(c)4 organization dedicated to preserving the 2nd Amendment rights for the residents of New York State. For a complete copy of this month’s report, click here.
Monday, April 29, 2024
Schuyler County Commemorates May 1 as “Law Day”
Law Day is Wednesday (May 1) and the Schuyler County Legislature has recognized as the Law Day 2024 theme, “Voices of Democracy.”
The resolution was submitted to the legislature by Schuyler County Attorney Steven Getman.
The legislature passed a resolution at its April 8, 2024 meeting, recognizing “Law Day” as an occasion of public acknowledgement of our Nation’s heritage of justice, liberty, and equality under the law.
“In 2024, the United States will hold its 60th presidential election, together with many federal, state and local elections,” Getman wrote. “The ‘Voices of Democracy’ Law Day theme encourages Americans to participate in the 2024 elections by deepening their understanding of the electoral process; discussing issues in honest and civil ways; turning out to vote; and, finally, helping to move the country forward after free and fair elections.”
In passing the resolution, the legislature called upon all Schuyler County residents “to observe this day by lifting their voices to maintain our system of laws and to ensure that our republic endures through free and fair elections.”
The measure was introduced by Legislator Gary Gray (R- District VIII) and seconded by Legislator Michael Lausell (D-District III). It was supported unanimously by the members present.
May 1, 2024 is the 66th Law Day. In 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower issued the first Law Day Proclamation to mark our nation’s commitment to the rule of law. Each year the American Bar Association selects an annual theme for Law Day.
A copy of Schuyler County’s resolution “Recognizing and Commemorating May 1, 2024 as ‘Law Day’ in Schuyler County” is available here.
Monday, March 18, 2024
2024 Voting: key dates, resources, and hotline information
Volunteers will troubleshoot issues and work with local boards of elections when necessary.
Persons who experience problems voting can call 1-866-390-2992 or submit a voter complaint here.
Important dates and deadlines are available here.
Tuesday, December 26, 2023
Law Day 2024 theme announced
The American Bar Association has announced the theme for Law Day 2024, "Voices of Democracy.”
The 2024 Law Day theme “Voices of Democracy” recognizes that in democracies, the people rule.For nearly 250 years, Americans have expressed their political views and wishes by speaking their minds and voting in elections.
In 2024, the United States will hold its 60th presidential election, and Americans will address fundamental questions about democracy and the rule of law.
For more information, click here.
Monday, November 7, 2022
Second Amendment Legal Update, November 2022
A monthly update, prepared for the Schuyler County Chapter of S.C.O.P.E. NY, a statewide 501(c)4 organization dedicated to preserving the 2nd Amendment rights for the residents of New York State. For a complete copy of this month's report, click here.
Monday, October 5, 2020
Second Amendment Legal Update: October 2020
A monthly update, prepared for the Schuyler County Chapter of S.C.O.P.E. NY, a statewide 501(c)4 organization dedicated to preserving the 2nd Amendment rights for the residents of New York State.
Monday, September 28, 2020
Voters warned about election crimes ahead of the November 2020 election
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued a warning to educate voters about federal election crimes and how to avoid them, and to encourage voters to report suspected violations.
According to the warning, election crimes fall into four broad categories:
• Ballot fraud“While individual states and localities have the constitutional authority and responsibility to manage elections and have their own election laws,” the FBI notes, “an election crime becomes a federal crime when one or more of the following occurs”:
• Campaign finance violations
• Patronage offenses
• Civil rights violations, such as voter suppression or voter intimidation
• A ballot includes one or more federal candidatesThe release also notes that individual states and localities have the constitutional authority and responsibility to manage elections and have their own election laws. Voters are urged to know the law, know their rights and report any suspected election crimes to the appropriate law enforcement or elections authorities. For more information, click here.
• Election or polling place officials abuse their office
• The conduct involves false voter registration
• The crime is motivated by hostility toward minority protected classes
• The activity violates federal campaign finance law
Monday, August 19, 2019
New York's new Domestic Violence laws take effect
New York state officials have enacted three new pieces of legislation that aim to expand protections for victims of abuse and domestic violence.
These measures are intended to:
• broaden the definition of domestic violence to include forms of economic abuse, including identity theft;
• give victims the choice to vote by mail-in ballot, even if they remain within the county where they are registered to vote; and
• allow victims to report abuse to any law enforcement agency in New York State, regardless of where the violence originally took place.
For more on these new laws, click here.
Monday, June 10, 2019
U.S. Supreme Court has ruled: you can't restrict political yard signs
The New York Civil Liberties Union has stated that a unanimous 2015 decision by the U.S. Supreme Court "clearly called regulating yard signs based on content unconstitutional."
Based on such rulings, the New York Secretary of State has advised: “Some local governments have attempted to deal with the clutter of election campaign signs by limiting the period in which they may be posted. …such local regulations are likely to be struck down by the courts as an unlawful interference with the right of free expression as guaranteed by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.”
As James Madison once said, “Our First Amendment freedoms give us the right to think what we like and say what we please. And if we the people are to govern ourselves, we must have these rights, even if they are misused by a minority.”
Tuesday, November 6, 2018
Finger Lakes Election Results Available Online
Typically, many of the local boards of election will post their unofficial results online.
The websites for some local boards of election can be found below:
• Cayuga County
• Chemung County
• Ontario County
• Seneca County
• Schuyler County
• Steuben County
• Tompkins County
• Wayne County
• Yates County
Results usually start coming in shortly after the polls close at 9:00 pm and they are updated as new totals are calculated.
These sites are often a good way to keep track of local election results (village, town, county) that otherwise might not be available in the media until the next day.
Tuesday, June 26, 2018
New York Election Day Hotline To Protect Voter Access During June Federal Primary Election
New York State officials have an announced an Election Day Hotline, which will help troubleshoot and resolve a range of potential issues encountered by voters at the polls during the federal primary election on Tuesday, June 26th.
Voters experiencing problems or issues at the polls may call the hotline at 800-771-7755 or contact it via email at any time between 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM on Tuesday.
Voters registered in New York City trying to find their poll site can click here. Voters registered outside New York City trying to find their poll site can click here.
Saturday, October 21, 2017
Weinstein-DA funding controversy helps inspire reform measures
New York Daily News:
As Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance's campaign contributions have come under scrutiny, a state assemblyman said he’s introducing a bill to reign in how much New York prosecutors can accept in donations from defense attorneys.The bill by Assemblyman Dan Quart (D-Manhattan) would create a statewide database of lawyers and law firms who have criminal defense practices. Those on the list would be barred from giving more than $320 an election cycle to district attorney candidates.
It also would prohibit lawyers and firms from bundling donations on behalf of district attorney candidates...
Vance has been criticized for taking contributions from defense lawyers whose clients -- [including] disgraced Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein -- were targets of criminal probes that did not yield prosecutions.
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Finger Lakes election results to be available online
Typically, many of the local boards of election will post their unofficial results online.
The websites for some local boards of election can be found below:
• Cayuga County
• Chemung County
• Ontario County
• Seneca County
• Schuyler County
• Steuben County
• Tompkins County
• Wayne County
• Yates County
Results usually start coming in shortly after the polls close at 9:00 pm and they are updated as new totals are calculated.
These sites are often a good way to keep track of local election results (village, town, county) that otherwise might not be available in the media until the next day.
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
History in the Making: Cornell Perspectives on Election 2016
This evening at 7:00 p.m., Cornell University will broadcast History in the Making: Cornell Perspectives on Election 2016, an exclusive live panel discussion about the 2016 presidential election, available online to 1865 Society members only.
Gretchen Ritter, Harold Tanner Dean of Arts & Sciences, and members of the faculty will share insights and analysis, as well as respond to your questions.
Panelists are: Adam Seth Levine, Assistant Professor of Government, Bruce Lewenstein, Chair, Science & Technology Studies, Professor of Science Communication, Departments of Science & Technology Studies and Communication, Jamila Michener, Assistant Professor, Department of Government and Sergio Garcia-Rios, Assistant Professor Department of Government and Latina/o Studies.
This event is in collaboration with the College of Arts & Sciences and Cornell Annual Giving Programs.
The link to Livestream is here.
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Citizenship in the 21st Century: a free online course
Whether you're with her or planning to make America great again, we hope to see you at the polls on November 8th. Before that though, exercise your passion for politics by joining Citizenship in the 21st Century, an online course offered by Keuka College this fall.
This course is open to community members, alumni, and friends of Keuka College at no cost.
Throughout the class, you will:
• Engage in discussions with Keuka College professors and students, as well as academic and political guests.
• Explore themes including the relationship between citizens and government, voting behavior, and current issues such as race, gender, and immigration.
• Debate with students for an intergenerational look at political discourse.
• Examine how candidates connect with voters through social media.
• Analyze the influence of money on elections and politics.
• Understand how campaigns are built and adapt throughout the election cycle.
As the 2016 presidential election nears, take this opportunity to share your perspective. For more information, click here or email community@keuka.edu.
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Town of Romulus considers local law to appoint highway superintendent
The Town Board of the Town of Romulus will hold a public hearing on the following proposed Local Law at the Town Office Building, 1435 Prospect Street, Willard, New York 14588 at 7:30 p.m. on the 17 day of June, 2015: Proposed Local Law No. A Of The Year 2015: “A local law to eliminate the elected position of Superintendent of Highways and replace it with an appointed position of Superintendent of Highways.”
If passed, this local law shall be subject to mandatory referendum at the next regularly scheduled General Election on November 3, 2015.
The complete text of the proposed local law is available from the Office of the Town Clerk, Town of Romulus, 1435 Prospect Street, Willard, New York 14588, during normal business hours and at the town’s website.
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Seneca Falls Referendum Appeal Dismissed
Regional News Network:
Seneca Falls—The New York State Supreme Court Appellate Division has thrown out an appeal seeking to reinstate a petition for a voter referendum on the proposed Seneca Falls town hall.Ruling on a motion from attorney Steven Getman, the court held on Tuesday (December 30) that the appeal should be dismissed on the ground that the appellant, former town board member Sue Sauvageau, had failed to perfect her appeal in a timely manner.
Getman represented Seneca Falls town board member Chad Sanderson. In papers filed with the appeals court Getman argued that Sauvageau’s attorneys were required to complete the filing and other requirements for the appeal no later than September 22.
Sauvageau’s notice of appeal was filed in July by Geneva attorney Mario Fratto. Neither Sauvageau nor her attorney sought an extension of the time to perfect the appeal or submitted an answer to the motion to dismiss.
In April, Sauvageau and Joyce Brady had circulated a petition to force a vote on the town board’s March 18 decision to transfer $2.55 million from the capital reserve fund to the general fund for the construction of the new town hall. The town has been leasing space in the former St. Patrick’s School.
In response, Sanderson, through Getman, filed objections to the referendum petition, alleging that the form and content was not in compliance with various legal requirements. These included a failure of the petition to require signers to affirm that their correct residence was next to their names and the failure of the witnesses to the petition to attest that each person who signed it had properly identified themselves to the witness.
Acting on Sanderson’s objections, Acting Supreme Court Justice W. Patrick Falvey held in May that certain requirements cited by Sanderson were “essential” under the New York State law, to insure that only qualified voters of the Town had signed the petition. These requirements were not met, Falvey held, and the petition for a referendum was “fatally flawed.”
In July, Sauvageau appealed Falvey’s decision. That triggered the September deadline to perfect the appeal.
Thursday, May 1, 2014
Court tosses Seneca Falls town hall referendum
FingerLakes1.com
The New York State Supreme Court has thrown out a petition for a voter referendum on the proposed Seneca Falls town hall.More on the case here.Ruling on an application from attorney Steven Getman, Acting Supreme Court Justice W. Patrick Falvey held Thursday (May 1) that the referendum petition was in violation of the New York State Election Law and Town Law.
Getman represented Seneca Falls town board member Chad Sanderson. Several weeks ago, Sanderson filed objections to the referendum petition, alleging that the form and content was not in compliance with various legal requirements. These included a failure of the petition to require signers to affirm that their correct residence was next to their names and the failure of the witnesses to the petition to attest that each person who signed it had properly identified themselves to the witness.
Town residents Joyce Brady and Susan Sauvageau had filed the petition. In their response, they argued that the petition had met the technical requirements for a referendum.
However, Falvey held that certain requirements cited by Sanderson were “essential” under the New York State law, to insure that only qualified voters of the Town had signed the petition.
Falvey also questioned Sauvageau on the fact she was a former town board member, whether she had been involved in addressing a prior referendum request and whether that demonstrated she should have been familiar with the requirements for bringing a referendum.
“The petition for permissive referendum is fatally flawed…and invalid,” Falvey concluded.
Getman noted that Sanderson had used his own money to fund the legal challenge to the referendum, thereby saving the taxpayers the cost of the special election.
The petitions sought a vote on the town board’s March 18 decision to transfer $2.55 million from the capital reserve fund to the general fund for the construction of the new town hall. The town has been leasing space in the former St. Patrick’s School.
The board held its first public information meeting April 23 on plans for the new municipal building. It is expected to decide in May whether a new building should be on a town-owned parcel of vacant land on Ovid Street or at a privately owned parcel where the now-demolished former Westcott Rule Co. plant stood at the corner of Spring and East Bayard streets.
According to reports, the town’s timetable calls for construction of the building to begin in October.
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