You Can Vote

The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) launched this Know Your Rights public education campaign in August 2008 in response to confusion in New York about the impact of a criminal conviction on voting rights. Some criminal convictions have no impact on your voting rights at all. Others may temporarily take away your right to vote.

Voting Rights with a Misdemeanor

A misdemeanor conviction does not affect your right to vote at all. You can vote at all times.

You only lose your voting rights if you are in prison or on parole. They are automatically restored upon completion of your prison sentence or release from parole, but you have to re-register in order to vote.

Voting Rights with a Felony

Even if you have a felony conviction, you can vote if you:

are currently on probation; or
were not sentenced to prison or had your prison sentence suspended; or
served your maximum prison sentence; or
were discharged from parole; or
were pardoned; or
obtained a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities.

If You Have Problems Registering to Vote or on Election Day, Help is Available . . .

If you think you are eligible to vote but have been told by the Board of Elections that you are not eligible, or you have been told that you need to provide some type of documentation, you can get help.

If you or anyone you know has difficulty registering to vote in New York due to a criminal conviction, or you have trouble voting on election day, please call the National Campaign for Fair Elections at

1-866 OUR VOTE (1-866-687-8683)

Make sure your voice is heard in November. Exercise your right to vote.

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