Our work reforming New York’s antiquated voting laws isn't complete until we kick Jim Crow out of the state.

The problem: Our work isn’t done if we leave people behind, disenfranchised and unable to cast their votes. In New York, there are ​over 30,000 people on parole at any given time. Criminal disenfranchisement laws disproportionately impact people of color, removing the voice of entire communities. These laws have been on the books since the Jim Crow Era when they were designed to explicitly take away voting rights from Black men. The effects have persisted to this day.

The solution: Last year, the Governor issued an executive order granting 35,000 voting pardons to people on parole, but that’s just a stopgap measure. Bill S1931/A4987 — moving through the State Senate and Assembly —would make voting rights for people on parole permanent, so that a future Governor could not overturn the executive order. Additionally, it would automate and simplify the process, removing confusion from eligible voters and officials that currently keeps people on parole de facto disenfranchised.

Bill S1931/A4987 restoring voting to people on parole has broad but weak support, and your representatives need to hear from you that it's time to move beyond passive support. We’re asking them to become co-sponsors and champions, and pass it before the end of session.

This is our highest priority item — we believe it will pass if we can get enough co-sponsors, especially in the State Senate; and enough support, especially amongst Democrats in Long Island and the Hudson Valley. Your reps need to hear from you that you want them to champion this issue, and that you have their backs if they do.

Take action today to make sure the Legislature passes voting rights for people on parole this session, so we can finally kick Jim Crow out of New York State.

Albany Senate Switchboard 518-455-2800
Albany Assembly Switchboard 518-455-4218
* Find sponsors, targets & contact info here.
* Find out who your rep is here.
* Use this same script to write a postcard to your reps!

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if they’re already a co-sponsor, ADD

It only takes only a minute to make your voice heard — our web tool connects you directly to your State Senator & Assembly Member and includes an editable email draft demanding voting restoration for people on parole.

Grassroots activists across the state held over 100 meetings with your representatives so far this year — and because of your advocacy, we were able to achieve historic victories. Your voice will be the catalyst for change, once more, as we urge our representatives to pass voting rights for people on parole and finally kick Jim Crow out of New York.

Sign up to meet with your representatives and we’ll send information for a successful — including our lobby guide, your rep’s contact info and schedules, printable documents, our current targeted asks of your specific rep, and other support.

After your meeting, make sure to report back, it’s the key step to help us strategize & win.