New York State Senators voted 53-8 to remove Sen. Hiram Monserrate, D-Queens, from office, effective immediately.

The vote leaves Democrats with a 31-30 edge in the chamber. A minimum of 32 senators are needed to pass a bill or even have a quorum at a session.

Last year, Monserrate was indicted on three counts of felony assault against his girlfriend in an incident that occurred after Monserrate had been elected to office, but before he was sworn in.

In October, a judge acquitted Monserrate of all felony charges, but he did convict the senator of misdemeanor assault.

Monserrate is appealing the conviction, and has promised to sue the Senate over this week's vote.

Gov. David Paterson has called a special election for March 16 to fill Monserrate's seat.