NYC Council Unveils New Voting Protections for Domestic Violence Survivors

The New York City Council has taken vital steps to enhance protections for domestic violence survivors through the approval of new voting legislation. During the stated meeting on February 27, 2025, Council members discussed Intro 565A, a bill designed to improve confidentiality for voters who have experienced domestic violence.

This legislation builds on a 2021 law that previously allowed survivors to request confidential voter registration without a court process. Despite this advancement, many survivors remain unaware of available protections. The new bill mandates city agencies, especially those involved with Family Justice Centers, to distribute clear guidance on how survivors can keep their voter registration confidential and vote by special ballot. This measure aims to safeguard the addresses of survivors who often reside in safe houses, preventing their attackers from locating them (Source: https://youtu.be/zVNZs6jaqSE&t=1248).

Council Member Gail Brewer, the bill’s sponsor, emphasized the importance of ensuring that survivors can participate in elections without fear of reprisal. “The worst thing is to have your attacker find your address,” she stated. Brewer also acknowledged the efforts of various organizations, including Safe Horizon and Common Cause, that supported the bill (Source: https://youtu.be/zVNZs6jaqSE&t=1248).

In addition, the Council discussed collaborative measures to increase awareness about this legislation. City agencies will be required to actively inform survivors of their rights and the resources available to them. As many survivors seek safety in hidden locations, maintaining voter confidentiality is crucial for their physical safety and psychological well-being (Source: https://youtu.be/zVNZs6jaqSE&t=1248).

The meeting’s discussions highlighted how critical it is for lawmakers to empower survivors not just to vote, but to do so in a manner that protects their safety and dignity. With the passage of Intro 565A, New York City moves closer to a system where survivors can freely exercise their rights without fear of exposure or violence.