NY A04525

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.

Applies to counties meeting any of three criteria: (a) at least 10 percent of population comprising protected class members based on five-year U.S. Census estimates, (b) subject to court order or government enforcement action for discriminatory voting practices within past 10 years, or (c) previously subject to Section 5 preclearance under the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Mandates written submission to the attorney general's civil rights bureau with a copy to the state board of elections if submitted by a county board, with the attorney general required to approve or object within 60 days.

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.

Takes effect 180 days after becoming law.