Who Can Register to Vote?
If you've been released from prison after a felony conviction, your right to vote is automatically restored under New York law. If you're registering to vote again, visit our First-Time Voters page to review voter eligibility, registration options, and important deadlines.
Your Voting Rights
Having a criminal conviction does not always affect your right to vote. Your voting rights depend on your current situation, not simply whether you've ever been convicted of a crime.
- Misdemeanor and violation convictions do not prevent you from voting, even if you are serving time in jail.
- If you are currently incarcerated for a felony conviction, you are ineligible to vote.
- However, if you are convicted of a felony and your sentence is suspended, you can vote.
- If you are convicted of a felony and you are released from prison, you can vote. However, you must register to vote again.
- If you have a federal felony conviction or a felony conviction in another state, you may still register and vote in New York.
- If you are currently on probation or parole, you can vote.
- If you are currently in jail for a misdemeanor or are awaiting trial, you can vote.
Before You Vote Checklist
Returning home comes with a lot of important tasks. Use this checklist to make sure you're ready to vote in your next election.
Confirming Your Eligibility
- Confirm you meet the general requirements to vote in NYC.
- Make sure you have been released from prison if you were incarcerated for a felony conviction.
- If you are in jail awaiting trial or serving a misdemeanor sentence, learn whether you can vote using an absentee ballot.
- If you're unsure about your voting rights, contact Election Protection for free assistance.
Registering After Release
- Complete a new voter registration if you are not currently registered.
- Register online, by mail, or in person.
- Submit your registration before the deadline.
- You do not need discharge papers, parole paperwork, or a Certificate of Relief to register.
Preparing for Election Day
- Check that your voter registration is active.
- Find your assigned poll site or early voting site.
- Review what's on your ballot before you vote.
- Learn what forms of identification, if any, may be helpful to bring.
- Make a plan to vote on Election Day, during early voting, or by mail if eligible.
Voting After Incarceration FAQs
How does a felony conviction impact my right to vote in NYC?
If you are currently incarcerated in prison for a felony conviction, you cannot vote. Once you are released from prison, your right to vote is automatically restored under New York law. You'll need to register to vote before participating in an election if you aren't already registered.
Can I vote in NYC if I'm currently on parole or probation?
Yes. If you are on parole or probation, you can register to vote and cast your ballot as long as you meet the other requirements to vote in New York.
Am I able to vote if I'm currently in jail?
It depends on why you're in jail. If you're awaiting trial or serving a sentence for a misdemeanor or violation, you can still vote, typically by absentee ballot. If you're incarcerated in prison for a felony conviction, you cannot vote until you're released.
Can I still vote if I don't have a permanent home or address right now?
Yes. You can register to vote even if you're staying in temporary housing, such as with family or friends, in transitional housing, or at a shelter. Use the address where you currently live to register, even if it's not a permanent home.
Related Resources
- Register to vote: Complete your voter registration online, download a printable form to submit by mail, or register in-person.
- Check your registration status: You can check if you're registered to vote online or by calling the NYC Board of Elections at 1-888-868-3692.
- Find your poll site: Look up your polling location and view a sample ballot through the NYC Board of Elections.
- Early voting: Get information about voting early in person at an assigned early voting site. Voting by mail: See how to request an early mail or absentee ballot and vote by mail in NYC.
