N.Y. Election Law § 17-202: Interpretation of laws related to the elective franchise

§ 17-202. Interpretation of laws related to the elective franchise. In

further recognition of the protections for the right to vote provided by

the constitution of the state of New York, all statutes, rules and

regulations, and local laws or ordinances related to the elective

franchise shall be construed liberally in favor of (a) protecting the

right of voters to have their ballot cast and counted; (b) ensuring that

eligible voters are not impaired in registering to vote, and (c)

ensuring voters of race, color, and language-minority groups have

equitable access to fully participate in the electoral process in

registering to vote and voting. The authority to prescribe or maintain

voting or elections policies and practices cannot be so exercised as to

unnecessarily deny or abridge the right to vote. Policies and practices

that burden the right to vote must be narrowly tailored to promote a

compelling policy justification that must be supported by substantial

evidence.