On Wednesday, April 18, New York State Governor Cuomo announced an executive order to restore voting rights to New Yorkers on parole.

According to a press release from the Governor's office, the executive order is titled 'Restores Right to Vote After Release from Incarceration'. The announcement was made at the National Action Network National Conference in New York City. Cuomo added that this will help people of color on parole, as they are disproportionately restricted to vote, according to the release.

The order goes beyond allowing New Yorkers who are on parole to vote again. Besides reversing the disenfranchisement of parolees, the order also raises the age of criminal responsibility. It also appoints a special prosecutor in the deaths of unarmed civilians in deadly encounters with law enforcement. The order also overhauls the public defense system, according to the release.

New York State mid-term elections are approaching. They will be held on November 6, 2018.

 

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