Section 510 - Voting upon release1. Prior to the release from a local correctional facility of any person convicted of a felony the chief administrative officer shall notify such person verbally and in writing that his or her voting rights will be restored upon release and provide such person with a form of application for voter registration and a declination form, offer such person assistance in filling out the appropriate form, and provide such person written information distributed by the board of elections on the importance and the mechanics of voting. Upon release, such person may choose to either submit his or her completed application to the state board or county board where such person resides or have the department transmit it on his or her behalf.
Where such person chooses to have the department transmit the application, the chief administrative officer shall transmit the completed application upon such person's release to the state board or county board where such person resides.
2. Upon discharge or release from the custody of a local correctional facility, the chief administrative officer of such facility shall, in consultation with the county board of elections, distribute to every person eighteen years of age or older a written notice on the voting rights of such person in the state of New York, including information on the importance and mechanics of voting, when such person is or may become eligible to vote, and offer to every such person a voter registration form; provided that, if an individual declines to accept a voter registration form, the chief administrative officer shall maintain a written record of such declination. Notice is not required for those individuals being transferred to a different local correctional facility, individuals being transferred or released to the custody of a state correctional facility or institution, or individuals being released to the custody of a hospital or mental health institution for treatment.Amended by New York Laws 2023, ch. 473,Sec. 1, eff. 3/18/2024.Added by New York Laws 2021 , ch. 103, Sec. 10, eff. 9/1/2021.