{"id":351493,"date":"2020-03-17T09:36:42","date_gmt":"2020-03-17T14:36:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/voting\/my-voting-guide\/can-felons-vote-in-new-york.html"},"modified":"2026-04-13T10:39:22","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T15:39:22","slug":"can-felons-vote-in-new-york","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/voting\/my-voting-guide\/can-felons-vote-in-new-york.html","title":{"rendered":"Can Felons Vote in New York?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Can Felons Vote in New York?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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In New York<\/span> state<\/span>, felons\u2019 voting rights<\/span> are automatically restored upon release from prison, even if on parole or post-release supervision. However, individuals must register with the Board of Elections<\/span>. A civil rights attorney<\/a> can help with voting rights<\/span> restoration.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

One concern people have when leaving prison is whether they\u2019ll be able to vote. Voting is a civil right, but voting rights<\/span> are suspended for those serving felony convictions<\/span><\/a>. It\u2019s natural to wonder if they\u2019ll be able to exercise this right again.<\/p>\n

The good news is that people who have completed their felony sentence<\/span> can vote as soon as they exit prison. Thanks to a law passed in 2021, election officials<\/span> in New York<\/span> automatically restore the voting rights<\/span><\/a> of residents who have served time in prison as soon as they are released. As long as you are registered to vote<\/a> in time for the next election, you shouldn\u2019t have a problem casting your ballot in the first election that takes place after your release.<\/p>\n

This article explains the 2021 law and how to ensure the state respects your voting rights<\/span> after you complete your prison sentence<\/span>. If someone interferes with your right to vote or you feel someone has violated your civil rights in another way, contact a New York<\/span> civil rights attorney<\/a>.<\/p>\n

New York<\/span> Restores Felons\u2019 Voting Rights<\/span> After Serving Sentence<\/h2>\n

On April 18, 2018, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed an\u00a0executive order<\/span><\/a>\u00a0updating and clarifying New York<\/span> State<\/span>\u2019s voting laws for felons. After it was enacted, those with felony convictions<\/span> could vote after completing their prison sentence<\/span> and parole. A person on probation could register to vote. Misdemeanor<\/span> convictions don\u2019t result in disenfranchisement<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Governor Cuomo\u2019s executive order<\/span> required the Commissioner of the New York<\/span> Department of Corrections<\/span> to submit a monthly list of persons released from prison. The Governor\u2019s Office reviewed each case and determined each person’s\u00a0eligibility<\/span>\u00a0for\u00a0the\u00a0restoration of <\/span>voting rights<\/span>.<\/p>\n

On May 4, 2021, Governor Cuomo signed a bill<\/a> that restored voting rights<\/span> upon release from prison, regardless of whether the person is on parole. Those on probation or post-release supervision can vote.<\/p>\n

Other States With Automatic Restoration of <\/span>Voting Rights<\/span><\/h2>\n

As of 2026, in addition to New York<\/span>, several other states automatically restore the\u00a0voting rights<\/span>\u00a0of people\u00a0released from prison after serving time for a felony conviction<\/span>. Some of the states that automatically restore these rights<\/a> upon a person\u2019s release from prison include:<\/p>\n