§ 5-504. Optional discontinuation of central file registration records. 1. Notwithstanding the provisions of this article to the contrary, a board of elections may apply to the state board of elections for permission to discontinue preparation, use and maintenance of central file registration records.

2. The state board of elections shall adopt regulations establishing the requirements which must be met by a board of election seeking such permission.

3. Such requirements shall include, but not be limited to the following:

a. The board of elections maintains a complete, current computer record of all registered voters.

b. At least one copy of such record is kept in a building other than the one in which the offices of the board of elections are located.

c. The board of elections maintains, as a public record, at the appropriate office of the board, a complete and current alphabetized list of all registered voters, including voters in inactive status, which contains next to each voter's name at least the following information: address, town or city, assembly district where appropriate, election district, registration serial number, party enrollment, date of registration, sex, date of birth and, if the voter is in inactive status, an indication of that fact.

d. A board of elections which has discontinued use of registration poll ledgers shall not be required to maintain such an alphabetized list of all registered voters if it has available for public use, a sufficient number of computer terminals from which such information can be obtained. Such terminals must have the capacity to display a series of names arranged in such alphabetical order without an inquiry for each such name having to be entered into the computer separately.

4. After such inquiry as it deems appropriate, the state board of elections shall approve the applications of those boards of elections whose systems meet the requirements established by this section and the regulations of the state board. Such boards may then discontinue preparation, use and maintenance of central file registration records.

5. If the state board of elections amends its regulations, a board of elections whose system was previously approved by the state board shall have a reasonable time to conform to the new regulation.

6. If the state board of elections determines on its own initiative, or upon investigation of a complaint, that the system being used by a board of elections is not in compliance with the requirements of this section and the regulations of the state board, it shall order such board of elections to comply forthwith.

7. If such a board of elections does not comply with the provisions of subdivision six of this section, the state board shall issue an order withdrawing permission to discontinue use of central file registration records and such board of elections shall be required to reinstitute use of such records on the first day of December following issuance of such an order.