Letter: Restrictive law kept me from voting April 19
Voters wait in line to cast their ballot in Arizona's presidential primary election, Tuesday, March 22, 2016, in Gilbert, Ariz. Credit: AP / Matt York
Unduly restrictive law kept me from voting in April 19 primary
I have been a registered voter in New York State since 1975, though I never registered with a political party [“Fix voter laws to ensure rights,” Editorial, April 21].
I wanted to register with a party and vote in the primary on April 19. I was shocked to discover that to do so I had to have declared a party affiliation by Oct. 9 of last year. This reflects some of the most restrictive voter registration laws in the country!
New York election law provides that the deadline for voters to apply for a change in party enrollment is 25 days before a year’s general election. I wrote to my state assemblyman and senator, but haven’t received responses.
I’m a politically astute voter who was unaware of this disenfranchisement. The law needs to be changed to stop ridiculous barriers to block citizen participation in public affairs.
Ken Norian
Hicksville
