Advocates Push for Polling Place, More Ballot Curing on Rikers Island

New York City Council members say less than 5% of eligible Rikers Island inmates vote due to lack of access.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:52pm

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Advocates and New York City Council members are pushing for an in-person polling place on Rikers Island and increased ballot curing efforts to boost voter turnout among the over 6,700 inmates, 92% of whom are eligible to vote. However, the Board of Elections and Department of Correction say state law limits their ability to make the desired changes at the city level, citing restrictions around polling locations and the ballot curing process.

Why it matters

Increasing voter access and participation on Rikers Island is seen as critical, as those incarcerated are directly impacted by the decisions of elected officials. Advocates argue that civic engagement while incarcerated can also help with successful reintegration into the community upon release.

The details

The council is considering bills that would demand more Rikers voting data reporting and increase the Department of Corrections' responsibility in ballot curing, the process of election officials correcting fixable issues with returned ballots. However, the Board of Elections and Department of Correction say state law prevents them from making the desired changes at the city level, as the ballot curing process must be administered directly by the Board of Elections.

  • The council hearing took place on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Nell Colon

The deputy commissioner of programs at the New York City Department of Correction.

Michael Ryan

The executive director of New York City's Board of Elections.

Rigodis Appling

A Legal Aid staff attorney who disagrees with the Board of Elections' argument that state law prohibits them from opening a polling place on Rikers Island.

Zohran Mamdani

The mayor of New York City.

Zellnor Myrie

A New York state senator who has introduced a bill that would require the Board of Elections to hold in-person voting at every correctional facility where more than 25 people requested an absentee ballot.

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What they’re saying

“The board is required to operate strictly within the New York State Election Law, which governs voter eligibility, ballot access and election procedures. Certain proposals, including those related to polling locations, ballot curing process or absentee voting requirements, are limited by New York State law and would require legislative action at the state level. The board is not permitted to depart from statutory authority or substitute its independent judgment for the law.”

— Michael Ryan, Executive Director, New York City Board of Elections

“I would think that our mayor and our City Council would have some sway with the Board of Elections, hopefully be able to convince them to try it out.”

— Rigodis Appling, Legal Aid Staff Attorney

“All New Yorkers who have the right to vote should be provided that right to vote. And if you are on Rikers Island, you are, more than likely, simply waiting to have your day in court. If you have folks coming back from Rikers Island, you want them as connected civically as you possibly can. But, we keep seeming to want to do the opposite.”

— Jumaane Williams, New York City Public Advocate

What’s next

State Sen. Zellnor Myrie has introduced a bill that would require the Board of Elections to hold in-person voting at every correctional facility where more than 25 people requested an absentee ballot. Advocates and council members hope to convince Mayor Zohran Mamdani and the City Council to urge the Board of Elections to open a Rikers Island polling location.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges of expanding voting access for incarcerated individuals, as state laws and bureaucratic hurdles limit the ability of local officials to make desired changes. Advocates argue that increasing civic engagement for those on Rikers Island is crucial, but the Board of Elections and Department of Correction say their hands are tied by existing state statutes.