An ambitious voting rights bill has passed the New York State Senate by a party-line vote (Democrats control both chambers of the legislature). It is expected to pass the State Assembly and Democratic Governor Hochul has said she will sign it. The bill requires regions of the state with a history of discriminatory voting policies to submit any new election laws to the State Attorney General for “pre-clearance.” It also strengthens protections and services for non-English speaking voters and increases penalties for voter misinformation, intimidation, and obstruction.