Assemblywoman Jacobs Calls for Electoral Reforms

Assemblywoman Rhoda Jacobs, D-Ditmas Park, has joined the effort to reform New York's electoral process.

Jacobs announced Tuesday her support for bills that would call for early voting measures and stronger campaign disclosure rules. 

"This announcement comes after an election in which polling sites in the 42nd Assembly District were unprepared and understaffed, disenfranchising countless district voters, who waited several hours to cast their ballot," a statement released by Jacobs said. 

Ditmas Park was no exception to the chaos, with voters waiting outside the polling place set up at Marlborough Gardens 386 Marlborough Rd. for more than an hour, in lines that snaked around and down the block.

"As a state Assemblymember it’s my duty to ensure that as many citizens as possible have the opportunity to be part of the electoral process, and that voters know where political messages – and the money behind them – come from," Jacobs said in the statement. "The abysmal voting conditions that Flatbush and Midwood voters have been subjected to in recent elections cannot be allowed to become the status quo."

She noted that allowing early voting would mean fewer people waiting in long lines on Election Day, lessening the demand for absentee ballots while allowing people with disabilities and those with non-traditional work schedules easier access to vote

"Long lines to vote and problems at polling sites on Election Day too often discourage people from participating in the electoral process and disenfranchise our citizens," Jacobs continued.  

Under the legislation Jacobs is supporting, voters would be permitted to vote at designated locations beginning 14 days prior to general elections and seven days prior to primary or special elections.

Jacobs is also calling for more independent expenditures that influence elections be subject to financial campaign disclosure rules, helping ensure that voters know where the money behind the message is coming from.

"Large corporations, billionaires and special-interest groups are allowed to spend unlimited money on political campaigns as long as they define themselves as 'issue advocates' and avoid the use of certain words. This loophole leaves voters in the dark about who is behind messages and ads they see and where the money funding them comes from," the statement said.

If enacted, the bill would subject independent entities spending money on political campaigns to register and disclose its funds. 

"Flatbush and Midwood voters deserve better," Jacobs continued. "We should strive to increase openness and accountability in our state’s electoral system, which this legislation would do."