N.Y. Election Law § 5-218: Registration; challenges

§ 5-218. Registration; challenges. 1. Any person who applies for

registration may be challenged by any qualified voter, watcher, or

inspector of election if such person has reason to suspect that the

applicant is not qualified to be registered to vote.

2. When an applicant is challenged the person making the challenge

must first state the reason for the challenge and complete the

challenger's part of the challenge form. The board shall then administer

to such applicant the following oath: "You do solemnly swear (or affirm)

that you will give true answers to the questions which may be put to you

to establish your qualifications to register and vote". A member of such

board shall then read to the challenged person the questions printed

upon the form of the challenge affidavit which relate to the reason

given for the challenge, and such other questions on the form as in its

discretion it may deem appropriate, and shall enter in ink, opposite

each question, the answer thereto given by such applicant. After

answering, the applicant shall sign his name to such challenge

affidavit. The inspector or member of such board who writes the answers

shall enter in the place provided on the challenge affidavit,

information identifying the person challenged and the name and address

of the person challenging, and shall sign the certificate at the end

thereof. The other inspectors present shall also sign such certificate

at the end thereof.

3. The applicant shall be registered by the board if a majority of

such board shall be satisfied with the answers of the registrant. If not

satisfied, they shall notify him of the qualifications which they

believe he lacks as a voter, and shall furnish him a duplicate of the

challenge affidavit as completed. They shall also advise him of his

right to apply to the board of elections for registration.

4. When a person who has been challenged is registered, the board

shall enter in the remarks column the word "Challenged".

5. The state board of elections shall prescribe forms for challenge

affidavits for use pursuant hereto, which forms shall elicit such

information from the applicant as it deems appropriate.