NY A01610

Requires party nominations for special elections to be made through a special primary election rather than by party rules, with the candidate receiving the most votes becoming the nominee

Establishes special primary elections to occur on the first Tuesday at least 30 but no more than 36 days before the special election, with designating petitions due within 12 days of the governor's proclamation

Sets reduced signature requirements for special primary petitions: 500 signatures for state senate districts and 250 for assembly districts; independent nominations require 1,000 and 500 signatures respectively

Mandates the governor to proclaim special elections within 10 days of a vacancy occurring, with special elections for state legislative seats held 40-50 days after proclamation

Removes restrictions that previously blocked special elections for state senate and assembly vacancies occurring after April 1 of the final year of the term, allowing more vacancies to be filled by voters rather than appointments