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Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to elections
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Relates to allowing parolees the right to register for and vote at any election
In Assembly Committee · Election Law · Sponsor Michael Benjamin
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the election law, in relation to allowing parolees the right to register for and vote at any election
Purpose or general idea of bill
To allow parollees the right to vote and register for elections.
Summary of specific provisions
Section 1. Subdivision 2, 3, and 4 of section 5-106 of the election law, subdivision 2 as amended by chapter 373 of the laws of 1978 are amended. The amendments give an individual on parole the right to vote and register for elections.
Justification
The Brennan Center for Justice released a report titled, "Jim Crow in New York," which traced the history of New York's felony disenfranchisement law and revealed that its roots are firmly planted in some of the most discriminatory voting barriers to exist in our country. The report clarifies that Jim Crow laws were not confined to the South. In fact, during the 18th century, New York's election laws clearly followed the national narrative. New York's criminal disenfranchisement provisions followed a concerted effort to exclude African Americans from participating in the political process.
Today, the voting bar in our State's constitution is nearly identical to the one enacted 140 years ago. And these discriminatory laws continue to have their intended effect, with African-Americans and Latinos representing 80 percent of those currently disenfranchised in New York. This bill would remove this shameful barrier from a by-gone era by restoring the right to vote and register for elections to persons on parole. with this measure, New York will begin the process of removing the discriminatory voting barriers established during the Jim Crow era.
Voting is a right of American citizenship and should not be subject to governmental caprice. When persons are released on parole they become members of our communities. By removing their ability to vote, we prevent these persons from having a say in who represents them in local, state and federal offices. This legislation would correct this injustice by restoring their constitutional right to vote.
Prior legislative history
New Bill.
Fiscal implications
None.
Effective date
This act shall take effect on the one hundred eightieth day after it shall have become a law.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.