We have reported on the efforts by a top court official, Manhattan County Clerk Milton Tingling, to let former felons know that they might be eligible to vote in New York. Our Dean Meminger has a follow-up — about some former inmates working to expand voting rights, so that they can cast ballots, too.
They were convicted of crimes and served the time. And now, they want the right to vote.
"Just to have that civic responsibility again," said Ken Inniss. "The last time I voted I think was for Walter Mondale."
That was way back in 1984. Kenneth Inniss is among the tens of thousands of New Yorkers who cannot vote because they remain on parole for felonies.
"I think this election is very, very important for generations to come and I would have loved to be part of the process," said Elvin Garcia. "And if the true ideology of New York is rehabilitation how are you going to immediately stigmatize somebody coming out of prison and making them feel they are not a part of the fabric of society."
Voting rights for ex-felons vary from state to state.
Ten states do not let former felons vote at all.
In New York, state law was eased five years ago to let felons vote upon completion of their sentences or discharge from parole.
Advocacy groups say about 6 million Americans cannot vote because of felony convictions.
Nelson Rivera is one of them.
"I pay taxes now, I am doing what I am supposed to be doing and I know there needs to be a lot of change in society, in our community and I want to be a part of that," Rivera said.
These former felons, who cannot vote in New York because they remain on parole, recently traveled to Cleveland to encourage formerly incarcerated people there to register to vote. A trip organized by the Fortune society, which helps former prisoners.
"Most people just don't know that the local elections are important also, to vote for your community board, school board, City Council," said Inniss.
"It is not just about the president, it is about changing your community," Nelson said.
In Ohio, voting rights are immediately restored to felons once they leave prison.
"They are just so fortunate and they need to voice and to utilize the rights that we in New York don't have under the same equal circumstances," Garcia said.
They hope New York changes the law again so they can exercise their voting rights. And they're encouraging New Yorkers who can vote to register by Friday's deadline.