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Bill

S 2568

Relates to prohibiting the New York city board of elections from entering into contracts for certain services related to the conduct of elections with any entity that does not employ union labor

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Leroy Comrie

Prohibits NYC Board of Elections from contracting for certain election services with non-union firms; requires vendors to use union labor, affecting bids and costs.

REFERRED TO CITIES 1
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 2568

Summary — S 2568

Title: Relates to prohibiting the New York city board of elections from entering into contracts for certain services related to the conduct of elections with any entity that does not employ union labor
Status: REFERRED TO CITIES 1
Introduced: July 31, 2025
Sponsors: Mike Lee (primary), Leroy Comrie (primary)
Related: S 3800 (prior-session), S 1625 (prior-session), A 2179 (companion)

Note: The full legislative text for S 2568 was not included in the materials provided. This summary is based on the bill title and available metadata. Where the title implies but does not explicitly state details, the summary notes that points are inferred and identifies areas where the actual bill text would be necessary for definitive description.

Main purpose

The bill would bar the New York City Board of Elections (BOE) from contracting for specified election-related services with any private entity that does not employ union labor. Its apparent intent is to ensure that vendors providing services for the conduct of elections in New York City employ unionized workers.

Key provisions (as implied by the title)

  • Prohibition: The BOE would be prohibited from entering into new contracts (and possibly renewing existing contracts) for certain services related to election administration with entities that do not employ union labor.
  • Scope: The title limits the prohibition to “certain services related to the conduct of elections.” The exact services covered (e.g., ballot printing, ballot delivery, poll worker staffing, equipment rental/maintenance, tabulation services, voter outreach, custodial/security services at polling sites) would be specified in the bill text.
  • Vendor eligibility requirement: To be eligible for BOE contracts covered by the law, a vendor would need to demonstrate that it employs union labor (likely through certification, collective bargaining agreements, or proof of union-represented employees).
  • Implementation and compliance: The bill likely would include compliance procedures (vendor attestations, documentation requirements, enforcement mechanisms, and remedies for violations), though those specifics are not available without the full text.

Who would be affected

  • New York City Board of Elections: procurement processes, vendor selection, and contract administration.
  • Private vendors and contractors that provide election-related goods or services in NYC: may need to employ union labor, enter collective bargaining, or forgo BOE contracts.
  • Labor unions and unionized workers: likely benefit from increased employment opportunities and bargaining leverage.
  • Non-union businesses: potentially excluded from portions of the municipal election services market.
  • Voters and candidates: could be indirectly affected if vendor pool changes alter service costs, timelines, or operational capacity.
  • NYC taxpayers and City budget: potential fiscal impacts from changes in contract prices or limited competition.

Procedural status and next steps

  • Introduced July 31, 2025; referred to the Cities Committee (Cities 1).
  • Further committee consideration, possible hearings, amendments, and votes in committee would precede consideration by the full legislative chamber.
  • Companion bill A 2179 suggests parallel activity in the Assembly.

Potential impacts and issues to watch

  • Procurement and competition: Restricting contracts to employers that use union labor could reduce the pool of bidders and affect pricing and availability of services.
  • Legal considerations: The measure could face challenges based on state or federal procurement law, non-discrimination clauses, or preemption depending on how it is structured.
  • Labor policy effects: Could increase union employment and strengthen collective bargaining in sectors that serve elections.
  • Operational risks: If key vendors are excluded or choose not to comply, the BOE must ensure continuity and reliability of election services.
  • Fiscal effects: Possible increases in contract costs if unionized labor commands higher wages/benefits; conversely, potential savings if increased labor stability reduces turnover or errors — actual impact would depend on contract specifics.

Recommendation

Obtain and review the bill’s full text to confirm definitions (which services are covered), precise compliance and enforcement language, any exemptions, and fiscal notes. Those details are necessary to fully assess legal viability, administrative impact, and budgetary consequences.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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