Felon Voting Laws by State: A Rights Restoration Guide
Formerly convicted felons may have their voting rights restored, but the laws vary by state. Some states allow for voting rights to be restored automatically upon release from prison, after completing probation or parole, or through a discretionary petition for a pardon.
Almost all adult citizens in the United States are eligible to vote. One notable exception in most states is a felony conviction on someone’s record. A person convicted of a felony often loses their right to vote, at least on a temporary basis.
Each state has its own rules for restoring voting rights. 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.
In this article, we explore the background and legal authority for voting rights and voter disenfranchisement. We then dive deeper into the types of convictions and circumstances for which people can lose this right in each U.S. jurisdiction. You’ll also be provided with the available pathways to restoration in your state.
If your stripped voting rights were automatically restored by your state, you’re one of the fortunate ones. For others, the process may not be as smooth. Consider speaking with a skilled lawyer to understand your options. The road to restoration of voting rights within states’ voting systems can be complex. Regaining your voice is too important to pursue without the proper guidance.
Let’s get started with a look at voter disenfranchisement.
What Is Disenfranchisement?
Voter disenfranchisement is when the state or federal government formally removes or restricts someone’s right to vote. Disenfranchisement may affect groups of people. The now-illegal poll taxes of the Jim Crow South, for example, disenfranchised Black Americans and many poor white Americans.
Individuals may also be disenfranchised. A court ruling, for instance, may render a specific person ineligible to vote for various reasons. This includes a felony conviction.
Is Restricting Voting Rights for Felons Constitutional?
Yes. When the Constitution was first written, it didn’t guarantee anyone the right to vote. Instead, it gave states the power to set their own voting rules for state and federal elections.
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, which banned racial discrimination in voting.
Over time, additional amendments expanded the right to vote:
- The Nineteenth Amendment (1920): Gave the right to vote to adult women citizens
- The Twenty-Fourth Amendment (1964): Protected the right to vote for all eligible citizens by banning poll taxes in federal elections
- The Twenty-Sixth Amendment (1971): Gave the right to vote to all citizens aged 18 and older
Even with these changes, the states retained the power to decide whether people with felony convictions could vote. The Supreme Court confirmed this in Richardson v. Ramirez (1974). It held that the states may deny voting rights to people with felony convictions. This is because the Fourteenth Amendment allows the states to restrict voting for “participation in rebellion or other crime,” making states’ voting restrictions for people with criminal convictions constitutional.
Restoring Voting Rights for Felony Convictions
State legislatures determine their own voting laws. This includes whether a felony conviction is grounds for disenfranchisement. States have a long history of prohibiting felons from voting before reinstating their rights later.
In almost all U.S. jurisdictions, a felony conviction results in a loss of voting rights for a period of time. The exceptions are Maine, Vermont, and the District of Columbia. In these jurisdictions, people convicted of a felony never lose their voting rights. Incarcerated people serving time for a felony offense can still cast a legal ballot.
Of the remaining 48 jurisdictions, the path to restoring voting rights varies. Some states automatically restore a person’s voting rights as soon as they leave prison, even if they’re on parole or probation. Others require completion of the entire sentence or an individualized review before voting rights can be restored.
Regardless of how you restore your vote, you’ll need to re-register (or, in some cases, register) before you can vote. Find your state’s voter registration office for additional information.
State-by-State Breakdown
In this section, we examine the rules for restoring your right to vote in the 48 states where some or all felony convictions mean disenfranchisement. As you’ll see, a few states can disenfranchise people for misdemeanor convictions.
Every state that strips voting rights for criminal convictions offers at least one potential pathway to restoration. This is true even for states that use terms such as permanent disenfranchisement or disqualification.
In some states, a legal financial obligation (LFO) may interfere with the restoration of your voting rights. LFOs include things like:
- Court costs
- Fines
- Court fees
- Restitution
- Supervision fees
- Costs of incarceration
Outstanding LFOs can obstruct the restoration of voting rights for various reasons. Unpaid amounts may be tied to supervision status in some states. In others, state law might specifically require LFO satisfaction for restoration of voting rights.
| State | Felon Voting Laws |
|---|---|
| Alabama |
Only those convicted of felonies involving moral turpitude lose their voting rights. Those convicted of other felonies don’t. Restoration process: Upon completion of the sentence, including probation/parole/supervision and full satisfaction of LFOs, a person may apply to get their voting rights restored using a Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote (CERV). They may also seek a pardon (required for the most serious offenses). The Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles issues CERVs and grants pardons. Pardons are granted on a discretionary basis. Outstanding LFOs are known considerations in these decisions. |
| Alaska |
Only convictions for felonies involving moral turpitude result in disenfranchisement. Automatic restoration: Upon completion of the entire sentence, including prison and probation/parole/supervision |
| Arizona |
Automatic restoration: Upon completion of the entire sentence, including prison and probation/parole/supervision (for first felony convictions) Restoration process: Upon completion of the entire sentence, including prison and probation/parole/supervision and payment of any restitution, people with multiple felony convictions obtain a Certificate of Absolute Discharge from the Arizona Department of Corrections. They then file a petition in the superior court where they were convicted and attach the certificate (or probation completion documentation). |
| Arkansas |
Restoration process: Upon completion of the entire sentence, including probation/parole/supervision and full satisfaction of LFOs, obtain proof of discharge from the court or your probation/parole officer, and submit to the county clerk. You may also seek a pardon to restore voting rights. Pardons are granted on a discretionary basis by the governor. Outstanding LFOs are known considerations in these decisions. Learn more on our page about felon voting rights in Arkansas. |
| California |
Automatic restoration: Upon release from prison, even if the person is still on parole/probation Learn more on our page about felon voting rights in California. |
| Colorado |
Automatic restoration: Upon release from prison, even if the person is still on parole/probation |
| Connecticut |
Automatic restoration: Upon release from prison, even if the person is still on parole/probation |
| Delaware |
Automatic restoration: Upon completion of the entire sentence, including prison and probation/parole/supervision (for nondisenfranchising felony convictions); upon completion of the entire sentence, including prison and probation/parole/supervision plus 10 years (for election-related felonies) Restoration process: Upon completion of the entire sentence, including prison and probation/parole/supervision, people convicted of disenfranchising felonies may apply to the Delaware Board of Pardons. The governor grants pardons on a discretionary basis. Outstanding LFOs are known considerations in these decisions. |
| District of Columbia |
Anyone may vote, including incarcerated felons. |
| Florida |
Automatic restoration: Upon completion of the entire sentence, including prison, probation/parole/supervision, and full payment of LFOs (for convictions of felonies other than murder and felony sexual offense) Restoration process: People convicted of murder or felony sexual offense may seek clemency. Clemency is granted on a discretionary basis by the Florida Executive Clemency Board. Outstanding LFOs are known considerations in these decisions. |
| Georgia |
Automatic restoration: Upon completion of the entire sentence, including prison, probation/parole/supervision, and full payment of LFOs |
| Hawaii |
Automatic restoration: Upon release from incarceration, even if the person is still on parole/probation |
| Idaho |
Automatic restoration: Upon completion of the entire sentence, including prison and probation/parole/supervision |
| Illinois |
Misdemeanor and felony convictions both result in temporary loss of voting rights during incarceration. Automatic restoration: Upon release from incarceration, even if the person is still on parole/probation Learn more on our page about felon voting rights in Illinois. |
| Indiana |
Misdemeanor and felony convictions both result in temporary loss of voting rights during incarceration. Automatic restoration: Upon release from prison, even if the person is still on parole/probation |
| Iowa |
Automatic restoration: Upon completion of the entire sentence, including prison and probation/parole/supervision (for convictions of felonies other than homicide) Restoration process: Upon completion of the entire sentence, including prison and probation/parole/supervision, people convicted of homicide may apply for restoration. The governor grants restoration on a discretionary basis. |
| Kansas |
Automatic restoration: Upon completion of the entire sentence, including prison and probation/parole/supervision |
| Kentucky |
Misdemeanor and felony convictions both result in temporary loss of voting rights during incarceration. Automatic restoration: Upon release from incarceration, even if the person is still on parole/probation (for misdemeanor convictions); upon completion of the entire sentence, including prison and probation/parole/supervision (for convictions of felonies other than sex offenses, treason, bribery, and violent offenses) Restoration process: Upon completion of the entire sentence, including prison and probation/parole/supervision, those with convictions for felonies that don’t qualify for automatic restoration may apply for it. The governor grants restoration on a discretionary basis. |
| Louisiana |
Automatic restoration: Upon completion of the entire sentence, including prison, probation/parole/supervision, or after five years after release, even if the person is still on parole/probation |
| Maine |
Felons do not lose their right to vote. |
| Maryland |
Automatic restoration: Upon release from prison, even if the person is still on parole/probation (for conviction of all felonies except for those convicted of buying or selling votes) Restoration process: Upon completion of the entire sentence, including prison and probation/parole/supervision, plus 10 years, those with felony convictions for buying or selling votes may apply for a pardon. The governor grants pardons on a discretionary basis. |
| Massachusetts |
Automatic restoration: Upon release from prison, even if the person is still on parole/probation |
| Michigan |
Misdemeanor and felony convictions both result in temporary loss of voting rights during incarceration. Automatic restoration: Upon release from incarceration, even if the person is still on parole/probation Learn more about felon voting rights in Michigan. |
| Minnesota |
Automatic restoration: Upon release from prison, even if the person is still on parole/probation |
| Mississippi |
Only convictions of the state’s 23 disenfranchising crimes result in loss of voting rights. Restoration process: Upon completion of the entire sentence, including incarceration and probation/parole/supervision, people convicted of a disenfranchising crime may seek restoration of voting rights by:
Restoration through both pathways is rare. |
| Missouri |
Misdemeanor and felony convictions not related to voting both result in temporary loss of voting rights during incarceration. Automatic restoration: Upon release from incarceration, even if the person is still on parole/probation (for misdemeanor convictions not related to voting); upon completion of the entire sentence, including prison and probation/parole/supervision (for convictions of felonies not related to voting) Restoration process: Those convicted of crimes related to voting may apply for a pardon to restore their voting rights. The governor grants pardons on a discretionary basis. |
| Montana |
Automatic restoration: Upon release from prison, even if the person is still on parole/probation |
| Nebraska |
Automatic restoration: Upon completion of the entire sentence, including prison and probation/parole/supervision (for convictions of felonies other than treason) Restoration process: Upon completion of the entire sentence, including prison and probation/parole/supervision, and a 10-year clean-record period, those convicted of treason may apply for a pardon to restore their voting rights. The Nebraska Board of Pardons grants them on a discretionary basis. |
| Nevada |
Automatic restoration: Upon release from prison, even if the person is still on parole/probation |
| New Hampshire | Automatic restoration: Upon release from prison, even if the person is still on parole/probation |
| New Jersey |
Automatic restoration: Upon release from prison, even if the person is still on parole/probation |
| New Mexico |
Automatic restoration: Upon release from prison, even if the person is still on parole/probation |
| New York |
Automatic restoration: Upon release from prison, even if the person is still on parole/probation |
| North Carolina |
Automatic restoration: Upon completion of the entire sentence, including prison and probation/parole/supervision |
| North Dakota |
Automatic restoration: Upon release from prison, even if the person is still on parole/probation |
| Ohio |
People convicted of a permanently disenfranchising election law crime (like fraud or bribery) or multiple convictions of non-disenfranchising election law crimes may apply for a pardon to restore their voting rights. The governor grants pardons on a discretionary basis. Learn more about felon voting rights in Ohio. |
| Oklahoma |
Automatic restoration: Upon completion of the entire sentence, including prison and probation/parole/supervision or five years after conviction, whichever comes first |
| Oregon |
Automatic restoration: Upon release from prison, even if the person is still on parole/probation |
| Pennsylvania |
Automatic restoration: Upon release from prison, even if the person is still on parole/probation Learn more about felon voting rights in Pennsylvania. |
| Rhode Island |
Automatic restoration: Upon release from prison, even if the person is still on parole/probation |
| South Carolina |
Misdemeanor and felony convictions both result in temporary loss of voting rights. Automatic restoration: Upon release from incarceration, even if the person is still on parole/probation (for convictions of misdemeanors other than election law offenses), or upon completion of the entire sentence, including prison and probation/parole/supervision (for convictions of felonies and election law misdemeanors) |
| South Dakota |
Automatic restoration: Upon completion of the entire sentence, including prison and probation/parole/supervision |
| Tennessee |
Restoration process: Upon completion of the entire sentence, including prison and probation/parole/supervision, satisfaction of LFOs, and documented child support compliance for 12 months, those convicted of nondisqualifying felonies may apply to get their voting rights restored. They must complete a Certificate of Restoration, obtain the required signatures, and submit the certificate to the county clerk. Those convicted of permanently disqualifying felonies may request a pardon to restore voting rights. The governor grants pardons on a discretionary basis. |
| Texas |
Automatic restoration: Upon completion of the entire sentence, including prison and probation/parole/supervision Learn more about felon voting rights in Texas. |
| Utah |
Convictions for felonies and election-related misdemeanors both result in temporary loss of voting rights. Automatic restoration: Upon release from incarceration, even if the person is still on parole/probation |
| Vermont |
Felons do not lose their right to vote. |
| Virginia |
Restoration process: Upon release from prison, those convicted of a felony may apply to restore their voting rights. Restoration is approved on a discretionary basis by the governor or after a circuit court petition. |
| Washington |
Automatic restoration: Upon release from prison, even if the person is still on parole/probation |
| West Virginia |
Automatic restoration: Upon completion of the entire sentence, including prison and probation/parole/supervision |
| Wisconsin |
Convictions for all felonies, as well as misdemeanors involving treason and bribery, result in temporary loss of voting rights. Automatic restoration: Upon completion of entire sentence, including incarceration and probation/parole/supervision |
| Wyoming |
Automatic restoration: Upon completion of the entire sentence, including prison and probation/parole/supervision (for first-time, nonviolent felony convictions of state offenses) Restoration process: Upon completion of the entire sentence, including prison and probation/parole/supervision, those convicted of other felonies may apply for restoration of voting rights. The Wyoming Department of Corrections (WDOC) automatically approves restoration after confirming eligibility (for convictions of first‑time, non‑violent out‑of‑state or federal felonies). WDOC approves restoration of voting rights for those convicted of violent or multiple felonies on a discretionary basis. |
Note: State laws are always changing through legislative, judicial, or other means. FindLaw works hard to ensure the accuracy of its legal resources, but you should thoroughly research the law or check with an attorney to ensure you have the most recent information.
How an Attorney Can Help
When restoration isn’t automatic, a state’s individualized processes for restoring voting rights can be highly complex. They also often involve significant discretion on the part of state officials. If you need to pursue restoration of voting rights in this manner, be sure to enlist the help of an attorney.
You’ll want someone who understands the nuances of your state’s system. They should also know how to develop compelling arguments aligned with decision-making priorities.
Navigating Bureaucracy
Many people face challenges when trying to restore their voting rights. This can manifest as difficulties in understanding their state’s rules or working with election officials and government agencies.
An attorney can explain exactly what your state requires. They can help you contact the appropriate agency offices and communicate with the state elections board, the secretary of state’s office, or the governor’s office on your behalf.
The administrative processes for restoration can be heavy on the documentation. Certificates and discharge forms frequently require specific signatures and/or proof of supervision. Trying to figure out these complicated and often outdated systems on your own isn’t recommended.
Applying for Restoration
If you need to apply for restoration or request a pardon, your attorney can prepare these applications, develop supporting statements, and gather any relevant evidence. They can also help you understand your eligibility for expungement or record sealing. While this doesn’t restore your voting rights, it can help demonstrate that you’re eligible for restoration and clear up errors on your record.
Challenging Denials
If you’ve been denied restoration or the state says you’re ineligible, an attorney can identify opportunities for challenging that decision. They may review your records for errors and file appeals when needed. In some cases, they’ll argue that the state applied the rules incorrectly or relied on outdated information. Whatever the circumstances, an advocate can be a real game changer, especially when you’re up against a complicated system.
Find a Civil Rights Attorney
A civil rights lawyer is usually your strongest ally in restoring voting rights. They understand how constitutional law, state voting rules, and criminal justice systems overlap.
They can:
- Explain exactly when your rights should be restored
- Challenge mistakes in government records
- Push back if the state wrongly denies your eligibility
Civil rights attorneys also tend to be skilled at navigating appeals, administrative hearings, and applications for rights restoration.
Most people don’t exactly have this type of advisor saved in their contacts. FindLaw has sourced its own state-by-state directory of civil rights attorneys and made it available to the public free of charge. It’s a solid resource that includes ratings and background information for experts in your area.
Review their credentials. Look for one with experience in cases like yours, and arrange a consultation. Understanding the full range of options available to you is more important than ever.
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