NY S04032

Requires state board of elections and local boards of elections to submit voting-related changes to the state attorney general for pre-clearance approval before implementation.

Pre-clearance requirement applies only to counties meeting one of three criteria: at least 10% population comprised of protected class members (based on U.S. Census American Community Survey five-year estimates), subject to court order or government enforcement action for discriminatory voting practices within past 10 years, or previously subject to Section 5 pre-clearance under the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Defines "protected class" as voters who are members of a race, color, or language minority group as referenced in the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Attorney general's civil rights bureau must approve or object to submissions in writing within 60 days of receipt.

Takes effect 180 days after becoming law.