Bill allows those running for office who have been indicted of a crime to be taken off an election ballot.
The New York State legislature has passed, and Governor Kathy Hochul has signed into law (Chapter 178), Assemblymember Amy Paulin’s legislation which permits a candidate on a primary or general election ballot who is charged or convicted of a state or federal misdemeanor or felony to withdraw their name from the ballot.
“This outcome is in the best interests of everyone who votes in New York – on both sides of the aisle,” said Assemblymember Amy Paulin. “Under previous election law a candidate would have had to die, move out of state, or run for another office in order to remove their name. This situation highlighted an antiquated provision in election law which kept someone on a ballot even though they were no longer running for the office. It doesn’t make sense to keep someone on a ballot who has been indicted, has resigned from office, and has asked to be removed from the ballot.”
“It’s also not fair to voters who may end up voting for a candidate who isn’t running for office just because their name is on the ballot,” continued Paulin. “We need to put a ballot in front of voters that properly reflects who is running. This update to election law will correct what should have been done already. I’m thankful that the change has been made in time for this election, and will be in place for future elections.”
This bill was passed in the New York State Senate by Senator Liz Krueger.
Former Lt. Gov. Benjamin agreed to have his name removed from the ballot and posted a video in which he said, “I will sign the necessary paperwork to remove myself from the ballot. I am innocent of these unsubstantiated charges. However, I would be unable to serve under these circumstances. I want to thank all of my constituents and supporters for giving me the opportunity to serve.”
No word yet on who Hochul will pick to run as her Lt. Gov. Candidates for Lt. Gov. are elected separately from Gubernatorial candiates.
