Res. No. 382 Title Resolution calling upon the New York State Legislature to pass legislation mandating that real estate brokers licensed by the state provide voter registration materials and a list of elected officials at any closing. Body By Council Members Addabbo, Avella, DeBlasio, Gennaro, Gerson, Jackson, Lopez, Monserrate, Nelson, Seabrook and Oddo; also Council Member Gioia Whereas, The right to vote is one of the major principles of democracy and the foundation of our government; and Whereas, It is important that the voice of every American be heard and that every person play an active role in government; and Whereas, Registering to vote is the first step to increase the number of people that participate in our democracy; and Whereas, In order to increase the number of citizens eligible to vote, The National Voter Registration Act created "motor voter" registration (the ability to register to vote at Department of Motor Vehicle Offices) and voting by mail; and Whereas, Since the November 2001 election, 83,720 voters have registered to vote, with the majority of those, 73,802, registering through the Department of Motor Vehicles; and Whereas, There can be a further increase in the number of registered voters by implementing a new requirement for licensed real estate brokers, to provide voter registration materials and elected official information to new home buyers at a closing; and Whereas, When a person buys a house, condominium or coop, there is always a closing where the buyer takes title to his or her new home in a new community; and Whereas, A large number of homes, coops or condos were sold in New York City last year; and Whereas, By providing voter registration materials and elected official information to new home buyers at closing, it would greatly maximize the number of citizens registered to vote and act as a catalyst for a more active citizenry; now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State Legislature to pass legislation mandating that real estate brokers licensed by the state provide voter registration materials and a list of elected officials at any closing. 7/1/02 LS # 738 DS