New York Law School’s Digital Commons@NYLS

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Library, Mendik

1995 Reunion | Class Action | Class of 1985

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Bancamper, Jennifer

Michael Bowe ’91 and Heidi Goldsmith ’21 on Brithem LLP and the Art of Trial Advocacy

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CROWELL, ANTHONY W.

Supporting NYLS’s Adjunct Faculty Community

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DigitalCommons@NYLS 
NYLS Community News History & Archives 
5-2-2025 
NYLS Trustee John McMahon ’76 Delivers Energy Lecture to 
South African Energy Leaders 
Jennifer Bancamper 
Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.nyls.edu/community_news 
Since 1891
WE ARE NEW YORK’S LAW SCHOOL
 
On March 18, New York Law School Trustee and Distinguished Senior Fellow John McMahon ’76 delivered a 
virtual lecture at the African Energy Leadership Centre of the Wits Business School in Johannesburg, South 
Africa. Drawing on a wealth of experience in energy law and utility industry restructuring, McMahon presented 
an expansive overview of the U.S. electric transmission system to an audience of energy leaders, regulators, 
and students from across South Africa.
After graduating from NYLS, McMahon began his legal career as an attorney in the rate proceedings 
department at Con Edison. He rose through the company’s law department before becoming Senior Vice 
President and General Counsel, and later served as President and CEO of its subsidiary, Orange and Rockland 
Utilities. There, he led electric and gas service operations in southeastern New York State and surrounding 
areas. In 2015, he was appointed CEO of the Long Island Power Authority.
McMahon began his lecture with a brief examination of the history of electricity in the United States, which 
essentially began in downtown Manhattan in 1882 with Thomas Edison’s first power station. He went on to 
explain how electric service regulation has evolved, focusing on the role of the Federal Energy Regulatory 
Commission (FERC), an agency within the U.S. Department of Energy which has central responsibility for U.S. 
electric transmission system regulation.
McMahon’s talk highlighted major policy changes over the years—particularly FERC Orders 888, 2000, 1000, 
2023, and 2222—that have driven open access policies, encouraged renewable energy investment, and 
improved long-term planning for transmission infrastructure.  Additionally, he provided insight into key topics 
such as industry restructuring, wholesale power markets, distributed energy resources, and the importance of 
ethics and compliance in the energy industry.
A key theme of McMahon’s talk was reliability and electric service as a public duty. He noted that grid reliability, 
especially in the face of growing energy demands, climate change, and rapid technological advancements, is 
critical. “Electric market reform moves like a glacier most of the time. A slow pace of change can be frustrating, 
but a compelling justification for gradualism is the importance of electric service reliability,” McMahon said. 
“Reliability is job number one.”
Overall, the event marked a key moment in fostering global dialogue around energy policy, and highlighted 
NYLS’s growing global impact through the meaningful work of its distinguished fellows and alumni.
NYLS Trustee John McMahon ’76 
Delivers Energy Lecture to South 
African Energy Leaders
Jennifer Bancamper  •  Published May 2, 2025
Find more NYLS stories at news.nyls.edu.


English

NYLS Trustee John McMahon ’76 Delivers Energy Lecture to South African Energy Leaders

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Gillingham, Allison

DigitalCommons@NYLS 
NYLS Community News History & Archives 
2-6-2025 
Field and Campus: Fall 2024 
Allison Gillingham 
Marketing&Communications@nyls.edu 
Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.nyls.edu/community_news 
Recommended Citation 
Gillingham, Allison, "Field and Campus: Fall 2024" (2025). NYLS Community News. 198. 
https://digitalcommons.nyls.edu/community_news/198 
This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the History & Archives at DigitalCommons@NYLS. It has 
been accepted for inclusion in NYLS Community News by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@NYLS. 
For more information, please contact camille.broussard@nyls.edu, farrah.nagrampa@nyls.edu. 
At New York Law School, our student, faculty, alumni, and New York community came together for 
a variety of events throughout the fall semester. Community members engaged in civics programs, 
community celebrations, professional development opportunities, thought-provoking book talks, 
insightful conversations with legal experts and public officials, and more. Read some of our latest 
dispatches from 185 West Broadway.
Since 1891
WE ARE NEW YORK’S LAW SCHOOL
On September 5, NYLS hosted a workshop designed to introduce New 
York Law School alumni, as well as other members of the legal community, to 
the basic pathways for applying for a full-time or part-time law school teaching 
position. Attendees learned from NYLS faculty leaders about what a career in 
academia entails, including information on tenure track, long-term contract track, 
and adjunct teaching positions.
Field and Campus: Fall 2024
Allison Gillingham  •  Published February 6, 2025
SEPTEMBER 2024
On September 17, Norman Radow ’81, CEO of The Radco Companies 
and NYLS Trustee, joined us on campus for a special conversation with students. 
He shared many of the lessons he learned from his experiences in law and 
business as a real estate lawyer and running a real estate investment company 
specializing in the acquisition and optimization of commercial properties.
On September 12, the Center for New York City and State Law invited the 
NYLS community and the public to the 193rd CityLaw Breakfast, where featured 
speaker Anne Williams-Isom, New York City Deputy Mayor for Health and 
Human Services, shared her insights about the Adams Administration’s response 
to the increase in asylum seekers and the strategies they sought to implement.
WE ARE NEW YORK’S LAW SCHOOL
On September 17, students had the opportunity to meet with leadership from more than 20 local bar associations to learn more 
about getting involved, professional development and networking opportunities, and free and low-cost student memberships at an Open 
House organized by the Office of Academic Planning and Career Development.
On September 20–22, the NYLS Moot Court Association (MCA) hosted the 48th Annual Charles W. Froessel Intramural Moot Court 
Competition and welcomed a new cohort of NYLS students to join the MCA and prepare to compete nationally in the spring.
On October 2, New York City Planning Director Dan Garodnick came to 
campus for a conversation with Ben Max, Executive Editor for the Center for 
New York City and State Law, to discuss the Adams Administration’s “City of Yes 
for Housing Opportunity” plan as the zoning reform proposal enters formal City 
Council review.
OCTOBER 2024
On October 7, the Ronald H. Filler Institute for Financial Services Law 
hosted a discussion with Hester M. Peirce, Commissioner of the U.S. Securities 
and Exchange Commission (SEC), and Filler Institute Director Howard S. Meyers 
to discuss the role of the SEC and its current enforcement agenda, how the 
agency balances its role in capital formation and investor protection, and current 
regulatory developments.
On October 10, Rodger Quigley ’17 and Michael J. Sutnick ’25 joined us 
for a featured panel on clerkships to share their experiences as former clerks and 
judicial interns and to offer guidance to interested students on tailoring résumés 
for applications.
WE ARE NEW YORK’S LAW SCHOOL
Find more NYLS stories at news.nyls.edu.
On October 17, we had a wonderful celebration of the New York Law School alumni community as we recognized graduates in 
classes ending in 9 and 4. Alumni heard from Professor Kirk D. Burkhalter ‘04 and Professor Anna G. Cominsky ‘05 at a CLE panel, 
moderated by veteran journalist Ben Max, Executive Editor and Program Director of the Center for New York City and State Law, where 
they discussed their process for breaking down complex legal issues in the headlines when they speak with journalists and appear in 
the media. Our community also caught up with classmates, reconnected with NYLS, and networked with fellow alumni throughout the 
evening at a festive reception.
On October 23, the Innovation Center for Law and Technology hosted a 
discussion with Errol B. Taylor ’87, Consulting Partner at Milbank LLP and NYLS 
Trustee, and Innovation Center Co-Director and Professor Shahrokh Falati ’08. 
Taylor spoke with students, faculty, and alumni to share his insights as a patent law 
attorney and leader of Milbank LLP’s biopharma patent practice with decades of 
expertise in complex technology protection, licensing, and other transactions.
On October 23, NYLS, in collaboration with the Historical Society of the 
New York Courts and the New York State Supreme Court Appellate Division, First 
Department, hosted an insightful conversation with Hon. Dianne T. Renwick, 
Presiding Justice of the Appellate Division, First Department, and Hon. Dunstan 
Mlambo, Judge President of the Gauteng Division of the High Court of South Africa, 
to explore the similarities and differences of constitutionalism and the rule of law 
manifest across New York and South Africa, and how courts grapple with country-
specific issues and societal challenges at large. John Marshall Harlan II Professor 
Penelope Andrews, Director of the NYLS Racial Justice Project and an emeritus 
trustee of the Historical Society of the New York Courts, moderated the discussion.
WE ARE NEW YORK’S LAW SCHOOL
On November 7, we celebrated the hundreds of accomplished NYLS alumni who serve at all levels of the judiciary at the 2024 
Hall of Judges Ceremony and Reception. The celebration recognizes our alumni for their extraordinary contributions to the profession. 
During the ceremony, we also paid tribute to the alumni appointed to judicial positions over the last two years and unveiled their photos 
as they joined the Hall of Judges.
NOVEMBER 2024
On November 11, NYLS hosted the Annual Veterans Day Luncheon to 
celebrate the veterans of our community and honor their service.
On November 13, NYLS hosted a full-day conference in honor of the NYC Independent Budget Office’s (IBO) 35th anniversary. The 
conference featured a full day of panels where New York City public officials discussed the legacy of New York City’s 1989 Charter, how it 
transformed City government, the impact of the Independent Budget Office, and how the Office can continue to shape City governance 
in the future. Featured panelists included Brad Lander, New York City Comptroller, Mark Levine, Manhattan Borough President, 
Stephen Louis, Counsel of the Center for New York City and State Law, Jumaane Williams, New York City Public Advocate, and more.
WE ARE NEW YORK’S LAW SCHOOL
On November 18, NYLS and the First Generation Professionals student organization hosted its annual First Generation Professionals 
Etiquette Dinner. The evening included a reception, dinner, and networking with many supportive NYLS faculty and alumni in attendance, 
as well as an interactive program to help students learn how to navigate a cocktail hour and what dinner etiquette is needed to succeed in 
professional situations. NYLS Trustee and Distinguished Adjunct Professor Meryl Fiedler Lieberman ’81 was a guest speaker.
On November 20, students, faculty, and staff engaged in a wide-ranging 
conversation with Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon ’85, on 
current issues facing our criminal justice system. The discussion was moderated 
by Professor Kirk D. Burkhalter ‘04 and Professor Claudine Caracciolo.
On November 25, Mandy Cohen, Director for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), visited our campus for a 
thoughtful conversation, with Dean and President Anthony Crowell and Stony Brook University School of Social Welfare Dean Dr. Shari 
Miller, on the CDC’s work, the strategies it employs for public engagement and building trust, and expectations for the future work of 
the agency. The discussion also focused on the impact of misinformation and public health and examined strategies to help drive civic 
engagement and build stronger partnerships and trust between government and civil society. The discussion is the first in a program 
series on Civic Leadership, Law, and Social Welfare by NYLS and Stony Brook University. The series hosts high-profile speakers who will 
explore issues confronting a broad range of institutions that seek to build the public trust and drive responsible law and policy making.
Find more NYLS stories at news.nyls.edu.


Field and Campus: Fall 2024

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New York Law School,

DigitalCommons@NYLS 
NYLS Community News History & Archives 
6-30-2025 
New York Law School Selected as the Newest Partner of the 
Daniel Anderl Scholarship Program 
New York Law School 
Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.nyls.edu/community_news 
Since 1891
WE ARE NEW YORK’S LAW SCHOOL
 
Honoring the Legacy of Daniel Anderl Through Lawyers Who Will 
Strengthen Privacy and Cybersecurity Laws 
Anderl was killed in 2020 in an attack targeting his mother, U.S. 
District Court of New Jersey Judge Esther Salas
New York Law School (NYLS) is honored to announce its selection 
as the newest law school to receive a $100,000 gift from The 
Daniel Anderl Judicial Protection Project, to establish an 
endowed scholarship in the name of Daniel Anderl.
The Daniel Anderl Judicial Protection Project was created following 
the tragic death of 20-year-old Daniel Anderl in July 2020. Daniel 
was the only child of U.S. District Judge Esther Salas and attorney 
Mark Anderl. A promising young man and aspiring lawyer, 
Daniel was senselessly killed in an attack motivated by Judge 
Salas’ position on the bench. Since that moment, Judge Salas 
has channeled her grief into advocacy, championing stronger 
judicial security measures in New Jersey and around the country.  
Alongside her efforts, a group of lawyers launched the Daniel 
Anderl Judicial Protection Project to carry forward Daniel’s legacy of 
compassion, service, and belief in the positive impact of the law.
“New York Law School is honored to join the family of institutions 
selected to carry Daniel Anderl’s legacy forward,” said Anthony 
W. Crowell, Dean and President of New York Law School. “This 
scholarship is not only a powerful tribute to a remarkable young 
man but also a call to action. One of the most important parts of 
NYLS’s 134-year legacy is the extraordinary number of graduates 
who have served on the bench or within the judiciary as clerks 
and attorneys. They are central to a well-functioning democracy, 
predicated on the rule of law. To uphold our democratic system, 
judges must remain free from fear or intimidation and now is a 
pivotal time to do more to protect those who work in the judiciary. 
We are deeply grateful to the Daniel Anderl Judicial Protection 
Project for its courage, vision, and commitment to ensuring the 
safety and integrity of our judicial system—and to supporting 
students who are committed to making a difference.”
Kevin O’Toole, the chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the 
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, is the President of the 
Project’s board. In a statement, he emphasized the importance of 
these scholarships to their advocacy efforts.
“We established this organization to advocate for judicial privacy 
and security.  Advocacy takes many forms,” said the former New 
Jersey senator.  “As we advocate right now for stronger privacy 
legislation, we also, through our scholarships, seek to build our next 
generation of advocates.  Our scholarships help support students 
who are pursuing careers that will make a difference and who will 
help to ensure that judges and their families remain safe.”
The scholarship will support NYLS students who exemplify a 
commitment to public service and justice, with a preference for 
students pursuing careers in privacy and cybersecurity law.
Rahul Agarwal, the Treasurer of the organization, said that New York 
Law School was the first school outside of New Jersey to receive 
scholarship funds.  “We have been fortunate to fund scholarships at 
institutions across New Jersey and are excited to carry on Danny’s 
memory by establishing the first Daniel Anderl Scholarship at a 
New York institution.  We know that NYLS, under Dean Crowell’s 
leadership, will find worthy students to carry on Danny’s legacy. 
The Daniel Anderl Scholarship Program aligns with NYLS’s values 
including advancing justice, commitment to integrity, and upholding 
the rule of law. As threats to personal privacy, digital infrastructure, 
and public safety continue to grow, educating future lawyers in 
these areas is more vital than ever. Through this scholarship, NYLS 
students will be inspired not only by Daniel’s dream of becoming a 
lawyer but also by the example set by Judge Salas and Mr. Anderl, 
who have transformed personal tragedy into a national movement 
for justice and protection.
New York Law School Selected as 
the Newest Partner of the Daniel 
Anderl Scholarship Program
New York Law School  •  Published June 30, 2025
Find more NYLS stories at news.nyls.edu.


New York Law School Selected as the Newest Partner of the Daniel Anderl Scholarship Program

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DigitalCommons@NYLS 
NYLS Community News History & Archives 
7-22-2025 
Professor Robert J. Firestone ’90 Confirmed as NYC Tax 
Commission President 
Jennifer Bancamper 
Marketing&Communications@nyls.edu 
Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.nyls.edu/community_news 
Recommended Citation 
Bancamper, Jennifer, "Professor Robert J. Firestone ’90 Confirmed as NYC Tax Commission President" 
(2025). NYLS Community News. 219. 
https://digitalcommons.nyls.edu/community_news/219 
This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the History & Archives at DigitalCommons@NYLS. It has 
been accepted for inclusion in NYLS Community News by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@NYLS. 
For more information, please contact camille.broussard@nyls.edu, farrah.nagrampa@nyls.edu. 
Since 1891
WE ARE NEW YORK’S LAW SCHOOL
 
The New York Law School (NYLS) community congratulates Adjunct Professor 
Robert J. Firestone ’90 on his appointment as President of the New York City 
Tax Commission. He was officially confirmed by the New York City Council on 
May 28, 2025, following his nomination by Mayor Eric Adams.
The New York City Tax Commission serves as an independent body responsible for reviewing annual real 
property tax assessments issued by the City’s Department of Finance. As its new President, Professor 
Firestone brings over 40 years of expertise in state and city tax matters.
A native New Yorker, Professor Firestone has demonstrated a deep commitment to public service throughout 
his entire career. He has served for 18 years as a Commissioner of the New York City Tax Appeals Tribunal—a 
role he will continue to fulfill alongside his presidency. The Tax Appeals Tribunal is an appellate panel of three 
Commissioners hearing and deciding appeals from administrative law judge determinations in tax cases under 
the City’s business, income, and non-property excise taxes. 
He previously served as a Hearing Officer for the Tax Commission, hearing more than 26,000 property tax 
valuation applications. His career also includes 13 years with the New York City Law Department’s Tax and 
Bankruptcy Litigation Division and private practice at Sullivan & Cromwell.
Professor Firestone has been part of the NYLS family for over three decades, returning to teach State and Local 
Taxation after graduating from the School. His appointment as Tax Commission President reflects his lifelong 
dedication to public service. The NYLS community celebrates this well-deserved recognition of his expertise 
and lasting impact on New York City.
Professor Robert J. Firestone ’90 
Confirmed as NYC Tax  
Commission President
Jennifer Bancamper  •  Published July 22, 2025
Find more NYLS stories at news.nyls.edu.


Professor Robert J. Firestone ’90 Confirmed as NYC Tax Commission President

NYLS Law Review 
Volume 69 
Issue 1 Volume 69, No. 1, 2025 Article 1 
January 2025 
Cover Page 
Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.nyls.edu/nyls_law_review 
 Part of the Law Commons 
Recommended Citation 
Cover Page, 69 N.Y.L. SCH. L. REV. 1 (2025). 
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inclusion in NYLS Law Review by an authorized editor of DigitalCommons@NYLS. For more information, please 
contact camille.broussard@nyls.edu, farrah.nagrampa@nyls.edu. 
New York Law School Law Review
VOLUME 69 • 2024/25
69 N.Y.L. Sch. L. Rev. 1–78 (2024–2025)
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Cover Page

NYLS Law Review 
Volume 69 
Issue 2 Volume 69, No. 2, 2025 Article 2 
January 2025 
Copyright Page 
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 Part of the Law Commons 
Recommended Citation 
Copyright Page, 69 N.Y.L. SCH. L. REV. 3 (2025). 
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inclusion in NYLS Law Review by an authorized editor of DigitalCommons@NYLS. For more information, please 
contact camille.broussard@nyls.edu, farrah.nagrampa@nyls.edu. 
The editors of the New York Law School Law Review do not consider unsolicited manuscripts.
The New York Law School Law Review (ISSN 0145-448X) is published twice a year and is 
printed and distributed by Sheridan, 450 Fame Avenue, Hanover, Pennsylvania 17331. Annual 
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Wice, Jeffrey M.

DigitalCommons@NYLS 
Elections, Census & Redistricting Updates NY Elections, Census, and Redistricting Institute 
5-27-2025 
May 27 Elections, Census & Redistricting Update 
Jeffrey M. Wice 
Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.nyls.edu/redistricting_roundtable_updates 
May 27, 2025
NY Elections, Census & Redistricting Update
​This week- Newburgh VRA Case Action Stayed, NYC Mayoral Case May
be Discontinued, Appellate Divsion to Hear Appeal in Voting Machines
challenge, State Senate & Assembly to Consider Election Law Bills,
Around The Nation: Louisiana, Upcoming Events
IN MEMORY OF CHARLES B. RANGEL, A MEMBER OF CONGRESS
FROM NEW YORK (1971-2017)- LONGTIME DEAN OF THE NEW YORK
CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION AND THE "LION OF LENOX AVENUE"
LITIGATION
Westchester: Clarke v. Town of Newburgh (Voting Rights
Act)- Action Stayed Pending Appeal
In this lawsuit, plaintiffs claim that the town’s at-large election system for Town
Board elections has prevented Black and Hispanic residents from electing
candidates of their choice in violation of the N.Y. Voting Rights Act.
 
On May 20th, the non-jury trial for this matter was scheduled in front of the
Westchester Supreme Court Justice Nancy Quinn Koba to begin on July 21st.
 
On May 20th, counsel for the Town of Newburgh filed a proposed order with
the Orange County Supreme Court. This order would require the plaintiffs to
demonstrate why an order staying the proceedings (pending motions in the
Appellate Division, Second Department) should not be entered.
 
On May 20th, the Town filed a memorandum in support of the proposed order.
The memo argues that this court has the “inherent power” to stay these
proceedings while an appeal is pending in the Appellate Division. The memo
also asserts that this court should exercise its “broad” inherent powers and stay
trial proceedings pending the resolution of the appeals because “doing so will
economize both the parties’ and the Court’s resources without prejudicing
Plaintiffs in any way.”
 
On May 21st, Justice Koba declined to sign the proposed order to show cause.
 
On May 23rd, the Appellate Division, Second Department granted the Town’s
motion for leave to appeal, stating that “questions of law have arisen, which, in
our opinion, ought to be reviewed by the Court of Appeals.” The following
question was certified to the New York Court of Appeals: “Was the opinion and
order of this Court dated January 30, 2025, properly made?” Additionally, the
Court granted the Town’s motion to stay all proceedings in this matter pending
hearing and determination of any appeal to the Court of Appeals.
Appellate Division, Third Department: Common Cause NY v.
Kosinski (voting machines)
In Albany on Thursday, the Appellate Division (3rd Department) will hear an
appeal in Common Cause NY v. Kosinski, a challenge seeking to prevent
ExpressVote XL voting machines from being used in New York. The case
focuses on permitting a touch-screen voting machine with a barcode system to
be trusted to properly record accurate votes in the same way as counting with
paper ballots.
 
The use of the ExpressVote XL system  was approved by the state Board of
Elections in 2023 after the Board certified the machines following a series of
tests. Monroe County has already used the machines after spending $12
million for 1000 machines. The county first used the machines in the race for
mayor of Pittsford where 1000 people went to the polls and the winner was
declared the victor by a one vote margin.According to a report in the Albany
Times Union by Emilie Munson,  Eric, Suffolk, Orange, and Nassau counties
have also either considered or plan to use the ExpresVote XL systems while
Albany County declined to do so.
The challenge against using the machines was brought by Common Cause NY
where, according to the Times Union, Susan Lerner, executive director of
Common Cause New York, disputes ExoressVote XL/s security features.  
In New York, voters are given the opportunity to check their ballots before
submission to verify the ballot’s accuracy. Common Cause NY argues that
voters can’t know whether a ballot is accurate from the barcode produced by
ExpressVote  XL’s system.
The challenge to the use of ExpressVote XL’s machines was rejected in state
Supreme Court last year because the judge found the challenge to be too
premature as the machines had not yet been used.
Efforts are also underway in the state legislature to ban the use of
ExpressVote XL’s machines.
Eastern District of New York (Brooklyn): Walden v. Kosinski
et al. (NYC Mayoral Race)
 
This case involves independent New York City Mayoral candidate’s Jim
Walden’s effort to run on an Independence Party line despite the fact that state
law prohibits the use of the word “independence” as a party name. On May
21st, the Court ruled that N.Y.C. mayoral candidate Jim Walden had failed to
file any amended complaint by the deadline. Previously, on April 25th, the
Court had directed Walden to file his amended complaint within fourteen days
from receiving a decision on appeal. Walden received this decision on May 5th,
which meant his amended complaint was due by May 19th. Since this deadline
passed without any filing, the Court ordered (1) the defendants to serve their
originally proposed motion to dismiss by June 4th; (2) Walden to serve his
opposition by June 18th; and (3) the defendants to serve their reply by June
25th.
 
However, on May 22nd, Walden’s attorney filed a letter and requested fourteen
days from the Second Circuit’s opinion to amend the existing complaint before
proceeding with the briefing schedule. Although the Second Circuit ruled on
Walden’s appeal, the Court has not yet released the reasoning behind its
decision. For this reason, Walden’s counsel requests time to review the
opinion upon its release to determine whether or not the complaint can be
amended to state a viable First Amendment and/or Equal Protection claim.
 
If counsel determines there is no viable basis to amend, then Walden will
“voluntarily discontinue the case, consent to a final judgment, or take some
other action that quickly terminates further litigation.” If the complaint can be
amended, then other actions would need to be taken to continue this case with
a new briefing schedule.
LEGISLATION
Senate and Assembly to Advance Election Law Changes,
Including Several Notification Safeguards, Ahead of End-of-
Session Push
With the end of Albany's scheduled legislative session in early June
approaching, this Wednesday the Senate Elections Committee will consider
and advance seven bills and the Assembly Election Law committee will
consider 11 bills (click here and then select "Assembly Agenda" from the
"Agenda" dropdown menu, to find the full meeting agendas).
The Senate package includes several consumer-protection-styled notification
proposals, like a safeguard that warns voters about New York's closed primary
system during voter registration--the point at which New Yorkers have an
opportunity to enroll in a political party or register as an unaffiliated "blank"
(S3596A (Rivera)). "Blanks" are not permitted to vote in New York's closed
major-party primaries; existing voters may later enroll in a party after
registering, but the law requires this enrollment to occur more than four months
ahead of June primaries, to be effective for that year's primary. Another bill
requires adequate notice be sent by forwardable mail (and email, and call or
text message if the board of elections has the contact info), to voters whose
registrations are being cancelled or placed in inactive status, or where a
change of address is received by the Board, as well as the reason for the
status change, so the voter is made aware of what's going on and has an
opportunity to address it (S4364 (Comrie)). If successful, this should help keep
voting rolls current between elections, protecting rights and reducing voter
confusion.
An additional protective measure includes requiring the NYC Board of
Elections to timely notify party officials and impacted state and city
representatives when the Board learns it will need to change the location of a
polling place (S4274A (Kavanagh)). This same proposal is also moving in the
Assembly this week (A7618A (Lee)). Such a change may allow these officials
to help the Board source alternative voting locations, and then notify their
constituents once a new site is designated.
The Senate will also advance a bill requiring the state and local boards of
elections to provide a public database of all sample ballots on their respective
websites, several days ahead of approaching elections (S6253A (Skoufis)).
This same proposal is also moving in the Assembly this week (A6741A
(Simone)). As with the prior proposal, recent 'same as' amendments coupled
with the late-session movement in each house may indicate that the two
houses intend to pass and enact these measures. 
The Assembly will also advance a bill passed previously by the Senate
this year. The bill changes the party enrollment of any voters enrolled in the
now-defunct "Independence" party (A7804 (Walker) / S923 (Skoufis)), as such
a party name is now prohibited by the election law (EL § 2-124). These voters
will have their enrollment changed to "blanks".
Additionally, the Senate will advance an election integrity proposal known as
VIVA that ensures that voters will always have the option to hand-mark a paper
ballot (or use a non-tabulating ballot marking device), in order to guarantee
voters can verify the selections on their ballots before they are scanned
(S7116 (Cleare)). As localities adopt new voting machines with touchscreen
technology that are also capable of printing voters' selections via machine-
readable barcodes or QR codes for scanning and tabulating, this bill ensures
that a voter can verify that their ballot actually reflects their preferences, by
preserving the human-readable paper ballot. To be effective for upcoming
elections, these bills still require consideration by the full Senate and review
and passage by the Assembly before lawmakers depart Albany in June.
VOTING RIGHTS ACT PRECLEARANCE
N.Y. Attorney General’s Office Preclearance Updates
281 NYC Board of Elections- poll sites- granted
601 NYC Board of Elections- early voting hours- under review
541 Nassau Co. Board of Elections- poll sites-granted
526 Orange Co. Board of Elections- poll site locations- under review
481 Albany Co. Board of Elections- granted
Numbers refer to submisson numbers
All submissions can be viewed at: https://nyvra-portal.ag.ny.gov/
AROUND THE NATION
LOUISIANA: Plaintiffs in a case involving black Louisiana voters have now
filed a report with their proposed remedial legislative maps in federal court. The
proposed maps would create three additional majority-Black state senate
districts and six additional majority-Black state house districts. These maps
were drawn by William S. Cooper, a demographic and redistricting expert for
the plaintiffs, based on a report that was filed along with the proposed maps on
May 23rd.
UPCOMING EVENTS
NYC Charter Revision Commission
The NYC Charter Revision Commission is considering including a proposal on
the city ballot to open its closed primary system to independent voters who
currently cannot vote in party primary elections. Public hearing are being held
for comment:
Queens, Weds 5/28: Helen Marshall Cultural Center at Queens Borough
Hall, 120-55 Queens Blvd 11415
Bronx, Tues 6/10: 3rd Floor Café in Building C / East Academic Complex
at Hostos Community College, 450 Grand Concourse 10451
Staten Island, Mon 6/23: Main Hall in Building B at Snug Harbor Cultural
Center, 1000 Richmond Terrace 10301
Manhattan, Mon 7/7: Langston Hughes Auditorium at Schomburg Center
for Research in Black Culture, 515 Malcolm X Boulevard 10037
Comments can also be sent to:https://www.nycopenprimary.com/take-action-
crc
May 29- 2025 Primary Election Preview
Join Max Politics and FAQ NYC podcasts - Ben Max, Christina Greer, Katie
Honan, and Harry Siegel - for a special 2025 New York City primary election
preview event with political analysis, special guests, audience participation,
and more.
The evening will feature the latest analysis of the Democratic primary for
Mayor and other races to watch, reminders about ranked-choice voting, plenty
of audience Q&A, and more.
This event is hosted by The Center for New York City and State Law at New
York Law School. To attend, register here:
https://nyls.wufoo.com/forms/qxmjtbs0nexll7/
June 3- 2025 Manhattan Borough President Candidate Debate
New York Law School's Center for New York City & State Law is a debate at
8:30 AM with the three Democratic candidates: State Senator Brad Hoylman-
Sigal, City Council Member Keith Powers, and Dr. Calvin Sun.
RSVP:
https://nyls.wufoo.com/forms/manhattan-borough-president-candidate-debate/
INSTITUTE RESOURCES
The New York Elections, Census and Redistricting Institute has archived many
resources for the public to view on our Digital Commons Page.
Our Redistricting Resources page contains resources on the John R. Lewis
Voting Rights Act. You can access the page
here: https://digitalcommons.nyls.edu/redistricting_resources/
Archived Updates can be accessed
here: https://digitalcommons.nyls.edu/redistricting_roundtable_updates/
Please share this weekly update with your colleagues. To be added to the
mailing list, please contact Jeffrey.wice@nyls.edu
The N.Y. Elections, Census & Redistricting Institute is supported by
grants from the New York Community Trust, New York Census Equity
Fund and the New York City Council. This report was prepared by
Jeff Wice, Jarret Berg, and Alexis Marking.
 
New York Law School
New York Elections, Census, and Redistricting Institute
185 West Broadway
New York, NY 10013 
T 212.431.2100, ext. 4170
          
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