New York Constitution Article II - Suffrage
New York Constitution – Article II: Suffrage
Article II of the New York Constitution establishes the rules and qualifications governing the right to vote (suffrage) in the state. It defines who may vote in elections, the conditions for voting, and protections around voting rights.
Key Provisions of Article II – Suffrage:
Section 1: Qualifications of Voters
Every citizen of the United States who is at least 18 years old and a resident of New York for a designated period may vote.
Residency requirements for voting may be established by law but cannot be unreasonably burdensome.
Persons declared legally incompetent or convicted of certain crimes may be disqualified from voting, subject to laws passed by the legislature.
Section 2: Registration of Voters
The legislature shall provide for registration of voters to ensure the integrity of elections.
The system must be designed to be fair and accessible.
Section 3: Absentee Voting
Provisions for absentee voting are allowed for voters unable to appear in person on election day, under rules set by law.
Section 4: Protection Against Denial of the Right to Vote
No person shall be denied the right to vote except for non-residency, legal incapacity, or conviction of a felony as defined by law.
The right to vote shall not be abridged or denied on account of race, color, creed, or previous condition of servitude (reflecting protections under the 15th Amendment).
Section 5: General Elections
Elections for public offices must be free and equal.
The legislature has the power to regulate elections, including times and places.
Summary:
Article II establishes the basic qualifications and protections for voters in New York.
It mandates equal access and protections to the right to vote.
It authorizes the legislature to enact laws governing registration, absentee voting, and other election procedures.
It incorporates anti-discrimination principles consistent with federal constitutional amendments.
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