Bill > S00830

This bill amends the Election Law, Criminal Procedure Law, Executive Law, and Correction Law to restore the right to vote for individuals convicted of a felony upon their release from incarceration. The key provisions of the bill are: 1. Individuals convicted of a felony in New York, federal, or another state court will be able to register and vote upon their release from incarceration, removing the requirement that they be pardoned or have their sentence expire before regaining their voting rights. 2. The bill requires courts to advise defendants pleading guilty to a felony that their conviction will result in the loss of their right to vote while incarcerated, and that the right will be restored upon release. 3. The bill requires the Department of Corrections and local correctional facilities to notify individuals upon their release that their voting rights have been restored and provide them with voter registration forms and information. 4. The bill directs the State Board of Elections to develop and implement a public education program on the voting rights restoration provisions of the law. The bill is intended to remove barriers to voting for formerly incarcerated individuals and ensure they are informed of their restored voting rights upon release from incarceration.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/S830