{"id":351503,"date":"2020-04-02T09:13:44","date_gmt":"2020-04-02T14:13:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/voting\/my-voting-guide\/felon-voting-laws-by-state.html"},"modified":"2026-04-01T11:33:40","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T16:33:40","slug":"felon-voting-laws-by-state","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/voting\/my-voting-guide\/felon-voting-laws-by-state.html","title":{"rendered":"Felon Voting Laws by State: A Rights Restoration Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Felon Voting Laws by State: A Rights Restoration Guide<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Balrina Ahluwalia, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Catherine Hodder, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Formerly convicted felons may have their voting rights<\/span> restored<\/span>, but the laws vary by state. Some states allow for voting rights<\/span> to be restored automatically upon release from prison, after completing probation or parole, or through a discretionary petition for a pardon.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Almost all adult citizens in the United States are eligible to vote. One notable exception in most states is a\u00a0felony conviction<\/span>\u00a0on someone’s record. A person convicted of a felony<\/a> often loses their right to vote, at least on a temporary basis.<\/p>\n

Each state has its own rules for\u00a0restoring voting rights<\/span>. Understanding these rules is critical for regaining control of your voting future. It can help you protect your rights and take the steps needed to fully participate in your community again.<\/p>\n

In this article, we explore the background and legal authority for voting rights<\/span><\/a> and voter disenfranchisement<\/span>. We then dive deeper into the types of convictions and circumstances for which people can lose this right in each U.S. jurisdiction. You\u2019ll also be provided with the available pathways to restoration in your state.<\/p>\n

If your stripped voting rights<\/span> were automatically restored by your state, you\u2019re one of the fortunate ones. For others, the process may not be as smooth. Consider speaking with a skilled lawyer<\/a> to understand your options. The road to restoration of <\/span>voting rights<\/span> within states\u2019\u00a0voting\u00a0systems can be complex. Regaining your voice is too important to pursue without the proper guidance.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s get started with a look at voter disenfranchisement<\/span>.<\/p>\n

What Is Disenfranchisement<\/span>?<\/h2>\n

Voter disenfranchisement<\/span> is when the state or federal government formally removes or restricts someone\u2019s right to vote. Disenfranchisement<\/span> may affect groups of people. The now-illegal poll taxes of the Jim Crow South<\/a>, for example, disenfranchised<\/span> Black Americans and many poor white Americans.<\/p>\n

Individuals may also be disenfranchised<\/span>. A court ruling, for instance, may render a specific person ineligible to vote for various reasons. This includes a felony conviction<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Is Restricting Voting Rights<\/span> for Felons Constitutional?<\/h2>\n

Yes. When the Constitution<\/a> was first written, it didn\u2019t guarantee anyone the right to vote. Instead, it gave states the power to set their own voting rules for state and federal elections.<\/p>\n

Initially, most states granted white adult male property owners the right to vote. After the Civil War, Congress wanted to stop states from blocking Black men from voting. It passed the Fifteenth Amendment<\/a>, which banned racial discrimination in voting.<\/p>\n

Over time, additional amendments expanded the right to vote:<\/p>\n