Advocates, City Council push for polling place, more ballot curing on Rikers as elections board says hands are tied by state law | amNewYork

"Advocates and council members are trying to change that, but the Board of Elections and Department of Correction pushed back on their proposed reforms Tuesday, saying existing state law stops them from making their desired changes at the city level."

"Michael Ryan, executive director of New York City's Board of Elections, raised the same concern as Colon about the curing process and told council members the board couldn't install a polling place on Rikers because it was limited by state law."

"Ryan said the absentee ballot process remains the only legally commendable method to provide access to voting enfranchisement for those in custody."

Prison rights advocates and New York City Council members are addressing voting access issues for incarcerated individuals on Rikers Island. The absence of in-person polling places, a complicated absentee ballot request process, and limited voter registration access hinder participation. Proposed reforms face resistance from the Board of Elections and Department of Correction, citing state law restrictions. The council is considering bills for better voting data reporting and increased responsibility for ballot curing. However, state law mandates that the Board of Elections administer the ballot curing process, limiting local authority over voting procedures.

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