Erie County, NY – The Erie County Legislature recently unanimously approved a resolution calling on New York State to fund the purchase of election equipment and other related expenses that county boards of elections will need in order to comply with the State’s newly adopted voting legislation.

In January, the New York State Legislature enacted several measures to make voting easier including provisions for early voting, “no excuse” absentee ballots, and same-day voter registration.  To comply with the state law, the Erie County Board of Elections will have to purchase new equipment including electronic poll books and there will be costs associated with additional training for Erie County Board of Elections staff members and election inspectors.

The Meyers resolution calls on the State which mandated the changes to pay for the costs of the mandate.  Legislator Meyers said, “These were positive changes, and I am happy our state government is making voting easier. But because these costs were not budgeted or anticipated by county governments, it only makes sense that New York State should pay for the new costs brought about by their action.

The resolution passed unanimously and a copy can be viewed at here.