New York's Landmark Voting Rights Act: What You Need to Know
In 2022, New York passed the John R. Lewis New York Voting Rights Act (NYVRA or the Act), imposing new state-law restraints on all political subdivisions and local boards of elections provisions and practices affecting voting, election administration, and redistricting. Among other requirements, the Act requires political subdivisions to comply with new standards when proposing a plan of districting or redistricting. Notably, certain entities will also be subject to the Act's "preclearance" provision, which takes effect on September 22, 2024, requiring pre-approval for many policy changes. Violations of the Act can result in expansive remedial orders and mandatory attorney's fees and costs awards.