Public Advocate Williams raises voting rights for youth in custody
Public Advocate Jumaane Williams thanks Chair Stevens and the committee for holding the hearing. He raises the importance of ensuring eligible youth in custody can vote, citing his Intro 797 requiring DOC reporting on voting at Rikers.
Thank you, Madam Chair.
And thank you for always making sure we're focused on our children no matter where they are.
Appreciate it.
As I mentioned, my name is Jermaine Williams, public advocate for the city of New York.
Again, I want to thank Chair Stevens and the members of the Committee on Children and Youth for holding this important hearing.
First, as Election Day approaches and the city is already engaged in early voting, I want to underscore the importance of ensuring that youth in custody who are eligible to vote are able to vote.
Last week, the City Council passed legislation I sponsored, Intro 797, that requires the Department of Corrections to report on voting activity in Rikers Island.
All eligible New Yorkers should be able to exercise their right to vote, regardless of whether or not they are incarcerated.
That should also include ACS and our children in these facilities.