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1 Eliminating Barriers to Voter Registration for People with Felony Records 1 (2003)

handle is hein.brennan/elimbvotre0001 and id is 1 raw text is: B1RENNA N (2ENTER- FOR1' JUSTICE Eliminating Barriers to Voter Registration for People with Felony Records New York law automatically restores voting rights to people with felony records when they complete parole or their maximum prison sentence. But local election boards throughout the state erected barriers that made voter registration more difficult or impossible for these citizens. The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law, a member of the Right to Vote Campaign, together with Community Service Society of New York and Legal Action Center, conducted a successful advocacy campaign to eliminate these obstacles to voter registration. As a result of these efforts, the New York State Board of Elections issued a state-wide policy directing local boards to stop their burdensome and discriminatory practices. Below is a description of the strategies used to achieve this important policy change. Document the Problem The Brennan Center, with the help of student interns, conducted a telephone survey of New York's 63 local election boards to determine each county's registration procedure for an eligible voter with a felony record. More than half the counties refused to register individuals with past felony convictions unless they provided various documents that were difficult or downright impossible to obtain. Some even requested documents that don't exist or insisted that people register in person. The methodology used for the survey will be described in detail in the Brennan Center's forthcoming resource guide on the study. Partner with Other Organizations The Brennan Center effectively partnered with two other legal advocacy organizations, Community Service Society (CSS) and Legal Action Center (LAC). In addition to legal expertise and prior involvement in felony disfranchisement advocacy, each organization brought special assets to the effort. The Brennan Center had a successful history of litigation against the New York State Board of Elections that made the Board more willing to negotiate. CSS has deep experience with voting rights litigation and is one of the legal organizations serving as co- counsel in Hayden v. Pataki, the New York case seeking to secure the vote for people in prison and on parole. LAC was able to capitalize on its relationships with criminal justice agencies developed through policy and direct advocacy on behalf of people with criminal records. The three organizations coordinated their efforts with New York's Unlock the Block voter registration campaign led by Jazz Hayden. Research the Law of Voter Registration By researching New York's voter registration laws, advocates gained an understanding of what state law requires for voter registration generally, and whether the law permits local boards to seek additional documents from people with felony records or other eligible voters. Advocates also researched whether local practices violated the federal constitution or statutes. This background was critical in negotiations with the State Board, and in crafting a practical solution that is consistent with state law. 161 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS, 12TH FLOOR * NEW YORK, NY 10013 212 998 6730 * FAx 212 995 4550 . www.brennancenter.org

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