A landmark bill aimed at safeguarding the voting rights of domestic violence survivors is on track to pass the New York City Council on Thursday. The measure seeks to ensure that survivors can register and vote without exposing their personal information.
The bill, introduced by Manhattan Councilmember Gale Brewer and co-sponsored by 22 other members, would require the city’s Campaign Finance Board, Board of Elections, and the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence to create new guidelines under state election law. The proposed regulations would allow survivors to keep their registration information confidential and vote by special ballot, offering greater privacy and security.
Currently, voter registration records are public, with addresses of registered voters listed in online databases. Brewer, who has been advocating for this legislation for years, emphasized the risks posed by this system. “Even with an order of protection, abusers often find ways to track their victims,” Brewer told Gothamist. “We need to take every precaution to prevent that.”
The bill’s expected passage comes as the city faces alarming statistics on domestic violence-related deaths, with 73 homicides in 2023 alone. A disproportionate number of these victims were women of color, further highlighting the importance of protective measures for marginalized groups.
The bill also includes provisions to ensure that survivors understand how to submit paperwork to protect their voting information and vote by special ballot. If passed, the Mayor’s office would be tasked with distributing guides and instructions to family justice centers and other community organizations that serve survivors.
Support for the bill extends to several key city agencies. Bernie Lubell, spokesperson for the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence, underscored the importance of maintaining confidentiality. “Protecting the personal information of domestic violence survivors is essential to ensuring their safety,” Lubell said.
The Campaign Finance Board has also pledged full support for the measure. Jadel Munguia, a spokesperson for the agency, assured that it would work closely with other officials to implement the new protections.
The bill is set to go through a committee vote Thursday morning before a final City Council vote in the afternoon.
