New Voter Registration Confidentiality Rules for Domestic Violence Survivors

Governor Hochul recently signed legislation (S.9671A/A.10960A) that requires the New York State Board of Elections (BOE) to notify domestic violence survivors that their voter registration information confidentiality is about to expire. Under existing law, eligible survivors can request that their voter registration information be kept private for four years to prevent an abuser from using public records to locate them. Under the new law, BOE must mail survivors a notice at least six months before those protections expire, including instructions for how to renew them. This builds on previous legislation signed into law in 2021, allowing domestic violence survivors to request confidentiality for their voter registration records directly from BOE instead of a formerly mandated court order.

The Domestic Violence Project provides legal representation to victims of domestic violence in Nassau and Suffolk County relating to family law matters, including obtaining orders of protection and custody. Nassau residents can call 516-292-8100 to be screened for services. Suffolk County residents need to go through one of our advocacy agencies. For Suffolk County residents only, for the fastest referrals, please contact Brighter Tomorrows at (631)395-1800 or, if you are on the East End of Long Island, The Retreat at (631) 329-2200. Both hotlines are available 24 hours a day.