If I have the requisite voting qualifications of age, citizenship and residency, can I vote:

Q: If I have a criminal record?

A: Yes, as long as you are not currently in prison for a felony conviction or on parole for a felony conviction.  If you are currently on parole, you can still vote if you have a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities or a Certificate of Good Conduct that restores your voting rights. You can vote if you are currently in jail for a misdemeanor charge, or you are on probation, or if you have completed your maximum prison sentence, and are not on parole on any charge.

Q: If I have been convicted of a felony?

A: Yes, unless you are: (1) currently in prison for a felony conviction, or (2) currently on parole for a felony conviction and have not obtained a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities or a Certificate of Good Conduct

Q: If I have been convicted of a misdemeanor?

A: Yes, a misdemeanor does not impact your right to vote.  However, you should still check your registration status at the following link: https://voterlookup.elections.state.ny.us/votersearch.aspx.  This link will inform you if you are registered to vote and where you vote in New York City.

Q: If I was recently released from the NYC Department of Correction?

 A: Yes, you can vote as long as you are not currently on parole for a felony conviction. If you are currently on parole for a felony conviction, you can vote if you obtain a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities or a Certificate of Good Conduct that restores your voting rights. 

If you only served time in jail for a misdemeanor and did not serve time for a felony, you probably do not need to register/re-register to vote. The Board of Elections does not remove you from the voting rolls when you are serving time in jail for a misdemeanor or are put on probation. However, you should still check your registration status at the following link: https://voterlookup.elections.state.ny.us/votersearch.aspx.  This link will inform you if you are registered to vote and where you vote in New York City.

Q: If I am on probation and was convicted of a misdemeanor?

A: Yes, you can vote. However, you should still check your registration status at the following link: https://voterlookup.elections.state.ny.us/votersearch.aspx.  This link will inform you if you are registered to vote and where you vote in New York City.

Q: If I am on probation and was convicted of a felony?

A: Yes, you can vote unless you are currently imprisoned for a “split sentence.”  Upon release from imprisonment, you can register/re-register to vote.

Q:  If I am on parole?

A: If you are on parole for a felony conviction you cannot vote unless you have obtained a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities or a Certificate of Good Conduct that specifically restores your voting rights.  When you complete parole, you can vote as long as you meet other eligibility requirements.  You will need to re-register to vote.

If you meet the eligibility requirements, please register to vote.