NY Voting Rights

Can I Vote - Despite my Criminal Conviction?

Yes! Click here to see our free video on voting rights.

■ In New York State, people with criminal convictions CAN VOTE unless they are:

  • currently incarcerated for a felony conviction, or
  • on parole and do not have either a "Certificate of Relief from Disabilities" or a "Certificate of Good Conduct."
Everyone else with a criminal conviction can vote!

■ This means you CAN VOTE if you:

  • are on probation - even if you have a felony conviction.
  • are on parole and have a "Certificate of Relief from Disabilities" or a "Certificate of Good Conduct."
  • were convicted of a felony but not sentenced to state prison time.
  • were charged with a felony, but have not yet been convicted - even if you are in jail awaiting trial.
  • were only convicted of misdemeanors - even if you are in a local jail.
  • already served your maximum prison time.
  • were discharged from parole.
  • were pardoned or exonerated.
You do NOT need a "Certificate of Relief from Disabilities" or other document in order to register to vote.

 

■ If you are voting while in jail:

  • You must request an absentee ballot.
  • It must be postmarked no later than the day before the Election. /li>
  • Once you receive the ballot, put the permanent home address on the registration form (not the address of the jail).