Can a Felon Vote in New York? (Updated)

New York City, previously named New Amsterdam, was found in 1624 as a trading post by the Dutch Republic. It was then renamed New York when the city became under English control in 1664. It finally became a state on July 26, 1788.

New York is the third most crowded people in US with a population of 19,745,289. The average prison population has reached 530 out of 100,000 of the adult population in New York. This means that 0.53% of the population is felons.

New Yorkers are known for their opinions and voting is like freedom to express opinions of the current governance and how they want the future government to be.

Can Felons Vote in New York?

Just like in the other states, New York felons are unable to vote while they are in prison until the time that they are released.

New York has no leniencies for people under probation or under candidacy for parole. They have strict rules to only allow the right to be regained ones the sentence has been ended.

New York gives the convicted felons a right to regain their right to vote and to live their normal lives right after release.

The right is immediately restored. However, most of the felons were not informed of their regained rights to vote. Hence, some of them are not able to re-register unless made aware of.

How Felons Can Restore Voting Rights in New York?

The New York government automatically reinstates this right upon the release of the convicted felon. There are several ways for New York felons to re-register.

Felons who wish to register in person should go to the city clerk’s office to re-register and fill-out the standard registration form. The proof of identification, age and recidency should be presented.
Felons can also download the form online and mail it to the city office. Forms are available in English and Spanish.
Felons can also contact 1-800-FOR-VOTE to request an application for registration.

Lastly, the convicted felon must be mentally competent to make right judgments.