National Congress for Puerto Rican Rights–N.Y. City Chapter v. Sweeney

95 Civ. 8742 (S.D.N.Y. Jan. 17, 1996). ; Clearinghouse Number: 51153

Description

New York Department of Labor Agrees to Voter Registration Services in Unemployment and Job Service Offices

Abstract

The parties have settled this action against New York Department of Labor’s failure to provide voter registration services and assistance, in violation of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA), 42 U.S.C. § 1973gg-5. The NVRA required the states to make voter registration available by mail, upon application for a driver’s license, and in many governmental agencies. Plaintiffs alleged that department refused to undertake its voter registration obligations mandated by state law. The consent decree requires the department to develop a cost-allocation plan to fund 20 full-time equivalent positions to provide voter registration services at all unemployment and job service offices in New York State. Department agreed to arrange regional training sessions for selected staff on registration mechanics. The consent decree specifies how voter registration services are to be provided in unemployment and job service offices, including revising departmental forms to include voter registration applications. Department also agreed to put a message on all unemployment checks issued in the week of January 29, 1996, that individuals who want voter registration forms or assistance in completing such forms may contact any unemployment or job service office.

Additional Information

Attorney Information
Plaintiffs represented by Jonathan Feldman, Juan Cartagena, Community Service Society of New York, 105 E. 22d St., New York, N.Y. 10010, (212) 614-5339.
Docket Date
1996-01-17 00:00:00+00:00