New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A04423

Introduced
2/4/25  
Refer
2/4/25  
Report Pass
5/28/25  
Refer
5/28/25  
Refer
1/7/26  
Report Pass
2/11/26  
Refer
2/11/26  

Caption

Clarifies that individuals have the ability to vote by absentee ballot in certain elections if they are not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction.

Summary

Bill A04423 aims to amend the education law and town law in New York to clarify that individuals who have completed their maximum sentence of imprisonment for a felony conviction are eligible to vote by absentee ballot. This change is intended to ensure that those who have served their time can participate in elections, thereby enhancing voter accessibility and inclusion for previously incarcerated individuals. The bill modifies the absentee ballot application process to reflect this eligibility criterion, ensuring that the statement of absentee voter includes language that acknowledges the expiration of maximum sentences as a condition for voting rights restoration.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will significantly impact the voting rights of individuals with felony convictions in New York. It will amend existing laws to allow these individuals to vote by absentee ballot, thereby aligning the state's voting laws with a more rehabilitative approach to criminal justice. This change could lead to an increase in voter participation among formerly incarcerated individuals, promoting civic engagement and reducing barriers to voting.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A04423 appears to be generally favorable among committee members, as indicated by the voting history, which shows a majority of votes in support during committee discussions. The bill has received favorable referrals in multiple committees, suggesting a positive reception among lawmakers. However, there may be some dissent, as evidenced by the minority votes against the bill in committee settings.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding the bill may stem from concerns about the implications of allowing individuals with felony convictions to vote, particularly among those who believe that voting rights should be contingent upon complete rehabilitation. Opponents may argue that the bill could undermine the integrity of the electoral process, while supporters emphasize the importance of reintegrating individuals into society and restoring their rights after serving their sentences.

Companion Bills

NY S03791

Same As Clarifies that individuals have the ability to vote by absentee ballot in certain elections if they are not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction.

Previously Filed As

NY S03791

Clarifies that individuals have the ability to vote by absentee ballot in certain elections if they are not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction.

NY A01340

Clarifies that individuals have the ability to vote by absentee ballot in certain elections where their maximum sentence of imprisonment has expired.

NY S03047

Clarifies that individuals have the ability to vote by absentee ballot in certain elections where their maximum sentence of imprisonment has expired.

NY S08644

Relates to the state board of elections creating uniform ballots for early mail, absentee, military and special voters who vote by mail; creates an electronic mail ballot application transmittal system; repeals certain provisions of the election law.

NY A08310

Amends early voting provisions; provides that an application for an absentee ballot that does not provide a reason that the applicant is entitled to such a ballot shall be processed as an application for an early mail ballot.

NY HB31

Voting, absentee voting, disabled, blind, or voters unable to read may designate individual to deliver voter's absentee ballot application and absentee ballot to absentee election manager

NY S05183

Includes a statement on the envelopes of ballots for early mail voters, absentee voters and special presidential voters for signature affirmation.

NY HF1253

Requirements related to the return of absentee ballots on election day modified, and absentee voting period modified for certain voters.

NY HB77

Voting, absentee voting; designee to deliver voter's absentee ballot application and absentee ballot to absentee election manager for disabled voter, authorized

NY HB1162

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in county boards of elections, furth er providing for powers and duties of county boards; in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for manner of applying to vote, persons entitled to vote, voter's certificates, entries to be made in district register, numbered lists of voters and challenges and for ballots to be issued by election officers only, ballots not to be removed and official ballots only to be deposited or counted; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for applications for official absentee ballots, for date of application for absentee ballot, for official absentee voters ballots, for voting by absentee electors and for canvassing of official absentee absentee ballots and mail-in ballots; in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots, for official mail-in elector ballots and for voting by mail-in electors.

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