Governor Hochul signs new law that makes it legal for voters to receive water and snacks while waiting in line at polling places across New York

New York – In a move aimed at protecting voter rights and public health, especially during dangerous heat conditions, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed new legislation that now allows voters to receive water and refreshments while waiting in line to vote at polling sites. The bill repeals a section of state election law that once made it a crime to give anything of value — even a bottle of water — to voters standing in line.

The timing of the new law could not be more relevant. As New Yorkers head to the polls amid scorching temperatures this week, the state is under a severe heat alert, with “feels-like” temperatures in some areas reaching up to 110 degrees. Officials and health experts have warned that prolonged exposure to extreme heat poses serious health risks, especially for older adults and those with underlying medical conditions.

“Our democracy works best when every eligible voter has a chance to cast their ballot,” said Governor Hochul. “Providing water to voters waiting in line is a common-sense way to ensure New Yorkers have an easy, safe and secure experience in the voting booth. I’m committing to protecting the right to vote for all eligible New Yorkers.”

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The now-repealed law — New York State Election Law Section 17-140 — had long prohibited individuals from distributing anything of value, even something as minor as a snack or bottle of water, within a certain distance of polling locations. Although originally intended to prevent voter bribery, critics have pointed out that the rule had unintended consequences, including penalizing good Samaritans during elections with long lines and extreme weather conditions.

The newly signed legislation corrects that by removing outdated barriers and affirming that helping voters stay comfortable and safe does not interfere with the integrity of the electoral process. In fact, lawmakers say this change strengthens the experience and access for all.

“Voting is a civil right, not an endurance contest,” said State Senator Zellnor Myrie. “With extreme heat forecast for the upcoming election, it’s important that voters at polling places can legally be given water and refreshments while they wait. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul, Assemblymember Simon and the voting rights advocates who helped advance this important bill. New York will always keep fighting to make voting easier and more accessible.”

For many voters, particularly those in underserved neighborhoods or those with disabilities, standing in line for an extended period of time can be physically challenging — even more so during a record-breaking heatwave. This new legislation makes it clear that compassion and civic duty can coexist at polling sites.

State Senator Kristen Gonzalez highlighted the bill’s relevance as temperatures climb across the state. “With a record-setting heatwave set to peak on Election Day, this signing couldn’t have been more timely. New Yorkers shouldn’t be turned off from voting because of uncomfortable line experiences, and people who wish to provide voters with refreshments should not be criminalized. Repealing this provision makes it clear that New York puts people before red tape, and that we’re committed to building a more inclusive, participatory democracy. Thank you to Governor Hochul for signing this bill into law.”

In addition to weather-related concerns, lawmakers emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming and inclusive voting process for all citizens. They stressed that unnecessary rules should not deter voter turnout or intimidate volunteers who want to help.

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“With high voter turnout and record-breaking temperatures on Primary day, New Yorkers will no longer have to worry about being arrested if someone gives them water or a snack while waiting in line. Voting shouldn’t be an endurance test. This bill removes an outdated barrier and restores common sense to exercising the franchise. I’m grateful to Senator Myrie for his partnership and to Governor Hochul for signing this bill into law,” said Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon.

This action is just the latest in a series of voting reforms spearheaded by Governor Hochul since taking office. In June 2022, she signed the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of New York — widely recognized as the strongest state-level voter protection law in the country. That law helps combat voter suppression, intimidation, and discrimination, particularly in communities of color and historically underserved areas.

She followed that with more changes in December 2022, when she signed legislation to expand the voter registration timeline, moving the deadline from 25 days before an election to just 10 days — the shortest allowed by the state constitution. Then in September 2023, she approved the creation of an early voting-by-mail system, offering more flexibility and convenience to all eligible voters.

With the early voting period for New York’s Primary Election already underway and running through June 22, state officials are encouraging voters to take advantage of cooler conditions in the earlier part of the week and avoid long lines on Election Day, when heat will be at its worst.

While the act of voting can be as simple as casting a ballot, Governor Hochul and lawmakers across New York are working to ensure that it’s also safe, welcoming, and free from unnecessary restrictions. Thanks to this new law, offering a bottle of water on a hot day will no longer be an act of civil disobedience — it will simply be an act of kindness.