As part of its overall expression of support for a group of bills aimed at improving elections in New York State, the Let New York Vote coalition and its Board of Elections Reform working group has endorsed legislation sponsored by Assemblyman William Colton (D—Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach and Dyker Heights) that would increase pay for people working as election inspectors and coordinators within New York City (A1993).

The coalition said in a memorandum in support of Assemblyman Colton’s bill and a series of others also aimed at making New York elections better, that the legislation would “modernize election administration in New York in three key ways,” by helping to “enhance voter service and strengthen professionalism, transparency, and accountability.” In addition, the coalition’s memo in support said that Assemblyman Colton’s legislation and the other bills supported by the coalition could, “help bring down barriers to the ballot box that affect too many voters.”

“The people who work to administer New York’s elections are more than deserving of this modest pay increase,” said Assemblyman Colton. “They work long hours, beginning at around 5 a.m. on Election Day, and ending well after the scheduled 9 p.m. poll close. Making sure they are fairly compensated for helping New Yorkers exercise their right to vote is just common sense, and I am delighted that the Let New York Vote coalition, which is dedicated to crucial voting reform, has expressed its support for my legislation.”

The bill, which is currently in committee, would increase daily pay for election inspectors to $300 and for election coordinators to $350.

The Let New York Vote coalition – which includes the Brennan Center for Justice, the League of Women Voters, Citizens Union and Common Cause/NY as well as dozens of other groups -- describes itself on its website as “a nonpartisan, statewide coalition of grassroots networks, civil rights and civil liberties organizations, re-entry communities, good government groups, unions, social service providers, immigrant rights groups, and everyday citizens fighting to improve our elections by making registering and voting more accessible and equitable for every eligible New Yorker.”