Proposals meant to make it easier to vote in New York, including providing snacks and water to people waiting in line to cast their ballots, are among the bills being pushed by good-government organizations ahead of the 2023 legislative session. 

The measures backed by Common Cause on Thursday are aimed at expanding voting rights in New York. In addition to allowing people to provide snacks and drinks of water at polling locations, the measures also include requirements to have voters easily understand ballot proposals in plain language, a pilot program for same-day registration during the final day of early voting and providing for the timely implementation of automaticc voter registration and online voter registration. 

"Common Cause/NY is made up of over 115,000 grassroots members and activists from Buffalo to Bay Ridge who fight for voting rights, ethics reform, and fair redistricting," said Susan Lerner, executive director of Common Cause/NY. "For the past few years, the New York State Legislature has stood on the side of voters, enacting a host of pro-voter legislation including early voting and automatic voter registration. This year is no different. We look forward to working with lawmakers to strengthen voter protections, protect our democracy, and curtail corruption in New York."

Common Cause is also calling for an annual dedicated budget for the local administration of elections in New York as well as an improved procedure for approving new voting equipment. 

The group wants expanded access to absentee voting and uniform procedures for voting while in jail. 

New York in recent years has sought to expand voting opportunities in New York, which include the creation of early voting in the state, something that has been in effect in 2019.