N.Y. Election Law § 5-204: Local registration; general provisions for the conduct of

§ 5-204. Local registration; general provisions for the conduct of.

1. At the opening of each place of registration on each day of local

registration the board of inspectors shall:

a. See that the American flag is displayed.

b. Cause the election district map or maps, or certified description

thereof, to be posted conspicuously in the registration place.

c. Check to see that all necessary supplies are available in order to

properly conduct registration.

d. Affix or attach to their clothing the proper identification,

buttons, badges or emblems issued by the board of elections pursuant to

the provisions of this chapter. They shall wear no other buttons, badges

or emblems which are similar in design.

3. a. The inspectors of election in receiving registrations shall, by

printing in ink, fill out the registration poll record and the central

file registration record.

b. If the applicant's name does not appear on the list of registered

voters and if the applicant is not challenged, and he is found by the

inspectors of election to be otherwise qualified, they shall complete

his registration as provided herein.

c. If the person's name appears on the list of registered voters and

he is residing at the same address as set forth therein, his

registration shall be refused as unnecessary.

d. If the applicant's name appears on the list of cancelled

registrations, the inspectors of election shall ascertain from such list

the reason for cancellation, and if satisfied that the reason for

cancellation no longer exists shall register the applicant.

e. If the inspectors of election shall refuse to receive a

registration for any reason, they need not complete the registration

records. They, however, shall enter the applicant's name and address on

the applicant's records, shall mark the word "Refused", and insert the

reason for such refusal in the remarks section on each of such

registration records. In any such case, they shall inform the applicant

of such reason, and advise the applicant of his right to appeal to the

board of elections for review of its decision.

f. If an applicant is challenged after the inspectors of election have

commenced to take his registration and if such applicant refuses to take

the challenge oath as prescribed by this article, or to answer a

question appearing on the challenge affidavit, they shall not complete

his registration and shall insert in the remarks section of his

registration records the words "Challenge Oath Refused" or "Challenge

Question Not Answered".

g. After completing the registration forms the inspectors of election

shall require the applicant to sign the two registration records in the

spaces provided for his signature at the time of registration.

h. After securing the voter's signatures, the two inspectors by whom

the registration is taken shall sign the records in the spaces provided.

k. If an applicant has removed from his residence but is still

eligible to vote from that address for a reason enumerated in this

chapter, the inspectors shall require him to execute a statement of

temporary absence.

l. If an applicant for registration presents a court order directing

that he be registered, the board shall register him, enter the words

"Court Order" in the remarks space on the face of each of his

registration records, write his new registration serial number on the

top of the first page of such order and return such order to the board

of election with the executed certificates and forms.

4. The inspectors shall distribute to the voters applying for

registration copies of the ballot proposals to be submitted to the

voters at the ensuing election.

5. An inspector shall not remove or permit to be removed any

registration record or blank from the locked ledger in which it is filed

or to insert or permit to be inserted any such record or blank in such

ledger. If a registration record blank is mutilated or voided or for any

reason cannot be used, the board shall mark "Void" across the face of

such blank and the blank of the same number in the other ledger of the

same set.

6. The map or maps furnished in cities shall be posted in the polling

place on the days of local registration.

7. There shall be no smoking in any place of registration in a church

or school.

8. The inspectors shall act as a board and a majority of them shall

decide questions.

9. While the polls are open no person shall do any electioneering

within the polling place, or within a one hundred foot radial measured

from the entrances, designated by the inspectors of election, to a

building where the registration is being conducted. No political banner,

poster or placard shall be allowed in or upon the place of registration

during any day of registration. Where an oath is required or permitted

by this article at any meeting for registration, any inspector may

administer it. The inspectors, and each of them, shall preserve good

order within and around the place of registration and keep access

thereto unobstructed. The board or any member thereof by order in

writing may direct the arrest of any person refusing to obey the lawful

commands of the inspectors, or guilty of disorderly conduct disturbing

their proceedings, or violating, or attempting to violate, any of the

provisions of this chapter. Any police officer or peace officer, who is

acting pursuant to his special duties, or any person designated by the

board shall execute the order.

10. Persons entitled to register who are on line, or in the polling

place, at or before the time fixed by law for closing of registration,

shall be allowed to register.