NYSPHA Free and Fair Elections Position Statement

NYSPHA Free and Fair Elections Position Paper Draft.docx

Position statement

The New York State Public Health Association affirms that free, fair, secure, and accessible elections are essential to a healthy democracy and the well-being of individuals and communities throughout New York State. Every eligible New Yorker should have a meaningful opportunity to register, cast a ballot freely and safely, and have that ballot counted accurately under the law. NYSPHA supports trustworthy election administration, factual voter information, freedom from intimidation, equal access, and respect for lawful election outcomes.

NYSPHA is nonpartisan. This statement does not endorse or oppose any political party or candidate. It is a positive declaration of principles that apply consistently to every election, jurisdiction, candidate, and voter.

Alignment with New York State principles

This statement reflects existing New York State commitments rather than proposing a separate partisan election agenda:

· The bipartisan New York State Board of Elections identifies preservation of public confidence in the democratic process and increased voter participation as core responsibilities. [1]

· The John R. Lewis New York Voting Rights Act, enacted in 2022, seeks to remove voting barriers and safeguard fair, open, and equal ballot access for eligible New Yorkers, including historically marginalized communities. [2]

· The State Board of Elections emphasizes accessible voting and respectful assistance to voters with access needs. [3]

· New York State provides multiple lawful means to participate, including in-person, early, and eligible mail voting, as detailed by election administrators. [4]

Why elections are a public health concern

Public health depends on civic trust, inclusive participation, equitable access to institutions, and governmental accountability. Elections enable communities to influence decisions affecting health care, mental health, housing, education, environmental protections, public safety, and public health resources. Barriers to participation can weaken representation, particularly for people with disabilities, language-access needs, rural residents, older adults, and communities historically excluded from civic processes. NYSPHA recognizes civic participation as a community-strengthening practice while respecting each person’s right to choose whether and how to participate.

NYSPHA’s affirmative commitments

· Access and dignity. Support practical, nondiscriminatory access for every eligible voter, including accessible polling and materials, language assistance, and accommodations consistent with law.

· Safety and freedom. Affirm that voting should occur without threats, harassment, coercion, or intimidation, and that election workers and volunteers should be able to fulfill their duties safely.

· Accuracy and transparency. Encourage reliance on official election information and clear explanations of how ballots are cast, verified, counted, and certified.

· Integrity and public trust. Support impartial administration, lawful safeguards, timely resolution of disputes, accurate counting of eligible ballots, and acceptance of certified results following applicable legal processes.

· Community participation. Equip public health professionals and community organizations to share neutral election information and connect voters with trusted assistance.

· Nonpartisanship. Apply these commitments equally across political affiliations and avoid candidate endorsements, partisan appeals, and attempts to influence how any individual votes.

Constructive actions for NYSPHA and partners

Within its mission, capacity, governing policies, and applicable nonprofit law, NYSPHA may:

· Distribute nonpartisan, up-to-date information from the NYS Board of Elections and county boards on registration, voting options, deadlines, and voter assistance. [4]

· Encourage members and community partners to proactively address accessibility and language barriers in their outreach and voter education. [3]

· Share trusted, nonpartisan election-help resources, including the Election Protection hotline (866-OUR-VOTE / 866-687-8683), when voters encounter problems or have questions. [5]

· Promote calm, fact-based communication before, during, and after elections; verify claims through authoritative sources and avoid amplifying rumors. [6–8]

· Use nonprofit-sector best practices for nonpartisan civic engagement and ensure election-related messages do not favor or oppose candidates or parties. [6]

· Collaborate, where appropriate, with civic, health, disability, and community organizations to strengthen informed participation across urban, suburban, and rural New York.

A positive public declaration

NYSPHA stands for every eligible New Yorker’s freedom to vote, for fair and accessible elections, for the people who administer them, and for a democratic process worthy of public trust. Free and fair elections strengthen the voice of our communities, and stronger civic institutions support a healthier New York.

Implementation and approval

This is a proposed NYSPHA position statement for review through its established policy and governance processes. If adopted, NYSPHA may publish it as a standing, nonpartisan statement of principle, review associated voter information before each election cycle, and evaluate outreach activities for accuracy, accessibility, and political neutrality. The statement does not constitute legal advice or a finding regarding any particular election.

Proposed by: __________________________ Approved by: __________________________ Date: __________________

References and supporting resources

[1] NYS Board of Elections, Board Leadership & Mission. https://elections.ny.gov/board-leadership-mission

[2] NYS Office of the Attorney General, New York Voting Rights Act. https://ag.ny.gov/resources/organizations/new-york-voting-rights-act

[3] NYS Board of Elections, Accessible Voting. https://elections.ny.gov/accessible-voting

[4] NYS Board of Elections, Election and Voting Resources. https://elections.ny.gov/

[5] Election Protection, Nonpartisan Voter Assistance. https://866ourvote.org/

[6] Nonprofit VOTE, Nonprofit Guide to Supporting Free and Fair Elections. https://www.nonprofitvote.org/nonprofit-guide-to-supporting-free-and-fair-elections/

[7] Protect Democracy, The Authoritarian Playbook (updated resource; conceptual background). https://protectdemocracy.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/The-Authoritarian-Playbook-Updated.pdf

[8] Protect Democracy, Before, During, and After: A Two-Week Election Guide (October 2026; background resource). https://protectdemocracy.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/What-to-Expect-When_Memo.pdf