Can Felons Vote in New York?

One concern people have when leaving prison is whether they’ll be able to vote. Voting is a civil right, but voting rights are suspended for those serving felony convictions. It’s natural to wonder if they’ll be able to exercise this right again.

The good news is that people who have completed their felony sentence can vote as soon as they exit prison. Thanks to a law passed in 2021, election officials in New York automatically restore the voting rights of residents who have served time in prison as soon as they are released. As long as you are registered to vote in time for the next election, you shouldn’t have a problem casting your ballot in the first election that takes place after your release.

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

New York Restores Felons’ Voting Rights After Serving Sentence

On April 18, 2018, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed an executive order updating and clarifying New York State’s voting laws for felons. After it was enacted, those with felony convictions could vote after completing their prison sentence and parole. A person on probation could register to vote. Misdemeanor convictions don’t result in disenfranchisement.

Governor Cuomo’s executive order required the Commissioner of the New York Department of Corrections to submit a monthly list of persons released from prison. The Governor’s Office reviewed each case and determined each person’s eligibility for the restoration of voting rights.

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

Other States With Automatic Restoration of Voting Rights

As of 2026, in addition to New York, several other states automatically restore the voting rights of people released from prison after serving time for a felony conviction. Some of the states that automatically restore these rights upon a person’s release from prison include:

• Connecticut
• Delaware (some exclusions for crimes that require a pardon)
• Florida (after all terms of sentencing, including payment of all fines and fees)
• Georgia (after the entire sentence, including parole or probation, is served)
• Hawaii
• Idaho (after the entire sentence, including parole or probation, is served)
• Indiana
• Kansas
• Kentucky (some exclusions for violent offenses)
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Montana
• New Hampshire
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Texas
• Utah

Other states, such as Mississippi, require people with past felony convictions to complete a formal process to restore their voting rights.

Voting With a Felony in New York: Steps To Take

Once the government restores your voting rights, you must still register to vote, regardless of your past criminal convictions. You can register in-person at your county Board of Elections office or mail your voter registration form to the local election office.

If you qualify for an absentee ballot, you must request one by mail. If you don’t have a permanent address, you can use the address of any residence as long as you’ve lived there for at least 30 days before the election. Using the address of a halfway house or other post-release facility is also acceptable.

Not sure if you’re already registered to vote? The New York State Board of Elections has complete information about post-release voting rights and a link you can use to verify your registration status.

When Should You Call a New York Civil Rights Attorney?

If you feel overwhelmed after your release from prison, you are not alone. Many people aren’t sure exactly what steps to take after they complete their felony sentence. This can be the case even if you’re on parole or probation.

A skilled attorney can help you resolve some of the major legal issues you encounter upon your release. They can also help you overcome some of the hurdles you may encounter when it comes to reasserting your civil rights, including voting rights.

Below are some situations in which an experienced New York civil rights attorney will prove more than helpful.

You’ve Been Given Incorrect Information Regarding Your Voting Status

After you get out of prison, you’ll likely meet with your parole or probation officer. They will try to prepare you for a successful reentry to society. When you ask them about whether you can vote in the upcoming election, they may tell you that you lost the right to vote. This is not exactly correct.

While those with felony convictions have their voting rights suspended while serving a felony sentence, New York automatically restores them upon release from prison. A civil rights attorney can intervene on your behalf to ensure that your rights are properly restored under the 2021 law.

Barriers To Registering To Vote

You may need help getting the necessary identification to register to vote. While this doesn’t always require the assistance of an attorney, a lawyer can help you navigate the DMV and other government agencies. They can also show you how to clear some of the administrative hurdles you will encounter while trying to register to vote.

You Want a Clean Slate

Even if your voting rights are restored, your past felony convictions may continue to be a barrier to other areas of your life, such as housing and employment.

An experienced New York lawyer can help you explore options for obtaining a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities or a Certificate of Good Conduct. These documents can help you overcome these barriers and make it easier to transition back to your regular life.

Have Voting Questions? Contact a New York Civil Rights Lawyer

If you were recently released after serving a prison sentence for felony convictions, you may encounter what feel like insurmountable barriers to reentering society. It is hard enough to return to society after serving a felony sentence. It isn’t fair if the government makes things even harder.

An experienced New York civil rights lawyer or discrimination attorney can help you navigate the legal system to assert your rights as a free person. A local attorney can examine your situation, offer legal advice, and help you get back into a voting booth.