(Last updated August 2021. This page is currently being refreshed. For more current rulings as they relate to voting rights restoration please visit the National Conference on State Legislatures Restoration of Voting Rights for Felons page)
In all but two states and the District of Columbia, voting-age citizens convicted of a felony are barred from voting for some period of time. Laws vary in each state. Many states restore voting rights to individuals automatically after they exit jail or prison. Others continue the bar on voting even while on probation or parole. A few permanently disenfranchise people with a past conviction or require they petition the government to have their voting right restored.
This is an up-to-date state guide to voting for people with past felonies.
State Overview
Voting rights retained while in prison for a felony conviction in: Maine, Vermont, and the District of Columbia
Voting rights restored automatically upon release from prison in: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, and Virginia
Voting rights restored automatically upon completion of sentence, including prison, and both parole, and probation in: Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Washington*, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Voting rights restoration can depend on the date or type of conviction, repayment of fines, the outcome of an individual petition to the government, or gubernatorial pardon in: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, Florida, Delaware, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Wyoming.
State By State
A | C | D | F | G | H | I | K | L | M | N | O | P | R | S | T | U | V | W
Alabama
Individuals convicted of a felony are still eligible to vote unless they are convicted of a certain class of felony charges — “crimes moral turpitude” — who are ineligible to vote while in prison, on parole, or on probation. Voting rights restoration is dependent on the type of conviction: some individuals may apply to have their voting rights restored immediately after completing their full sentence, but those convicted of certain felony offenses–such as murder, rape, incest, sexual crimes against children, and treason–are not eligible for re-enfranchisement. However, if convicted of a felony that is not on the list of “moral turpitude”, the individual does not lose their right to vote.
Contact the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles at 334-242-8700 for more information.
Alaska
Individuals convicted of certain types of certain felonies – Arson (1st or 2nd Degree), Assault (1st, 2nd, or 3rd Degree), Bribery, or Burglary (1st or 2nd Degree) are ineligible to vote while in prison, on parole, or on probation. Their voting rights are automatically restored upon completion of all supervised release. Anyone else with any other type of conviction or awaiting trial can register and vote whether they are in or out of prison. Check if your conviction is not on the list at Restore Your Vote.
Arizona
Individuals convicted of a felony are ineligible to vote while in prison, on parole, or on probation. If convicted of only one felony, the right to register and vote is automatically restored upon completion of all supervised release and also without obligation to pay fines or restitution. However, if convicted of two or more felonies, the right to vote can only be restored through a judge or if pardoned.
Arkansas
Individuals convicted of a felony are ineligible to vote while in prison, on parole, or on probation. Your right to vote can be restored after completion of your sentence, parole, and/or probation and the payment of all probation or parole fees, court costs, fines, or restitution, learn more here.
California
As of, 2021, individuals convicted of a felony are ineligible to vote only while in prison. The right to register and vote is automatically restored for all persons upon release from prison. People on probation parole can vote.
Colorado
The right to register and vote is automatically restored upon release from prison. People on parole or probation can vote. Visit the Colorado Secretary of State website here to learn more.
Connecticut
As of June 24, 2021, voting rights for people with felony convictions are now automatically restored upon release from prison. People on parole or probation can vote. Ex-offenders should re-register to vote.
Delaware
Individuals convicted of a felony are ineligible to vote while in prison or on parole, probation, work release, early release, supervised custody, or any form of community supervision. Your right to vote will be restored when your sentence ends. Visit the State of Delaware website here to learn more.
District of Columbia
As of July 2020, the right to register and vote is not denied or taken away from any Washington D.C. resident convicted of a felony in or out of prison or jail. That right extends to all D.C residents regardless of where they are incarcerated.
Florida
Individuals convicted of a felony now regain their right to vote upon completion of all the terms of their sentence – including prison, parole, probation, and repayment of restitution or fines. The one exception is that people convicted of a sex offense or murder permanently can’t vote unless granted a pardon to do so.
If you have questions, use the Restore Your Vote tool of the Campaign Legal Center to check your eligibility and get help. Or contact a lawyer or person or organization locally for assistance.
Georgia
Individuals convicted of a felony are ineligible to vote while in prison, on parole, or on probation. Voting rights are automatically restored upon completion of all supervised release. Ex-offenders should re-register to vote.
Hawaii
Individuals in prison for a felony conviction are ineligible to vote. Voting rights are automatically restored upon release from prison. People on parole or probation can vote. Ex-offenders should re-register to vote.
Idaho
Individuals convicted of a felony are ineligible to vote while in prison, on parole, or on probation. Voting rights are automatically restored upon completion of all supervised release. Ex-offenders should re-register to vote.
Illinois
Individuals in prison for a felony conviction are ineligible to vote. Voting rights are automatically restored upon release from prison. People on parole or probation can vote. Ex-offenders should re-register to vote.
Indiana
Individuals in prison for a felony conviction are ineligible to vote. Voting rights are automatically restored upon release from prison. People on parole or probation can vote. Ex-offenders should re-register to vote.
Iowa
On August 5, 2020, Iowa Gov. Reynolds signed an executive order that automatically restores voting rights to individuals convicted of a felony upon completion of parole and probation and all supervised release. Except those convicted of a chapter 707 crime related to homicides and serious sexual offenders serving extended sentences. Those who don’t qualify for automatic restoration may fill out a form requesting restoration of voting rights on an individual basis. People with a past felony with their voting rights restored after prison should re-register to vote. For more information.
Kansas
Individuals convicted of a felony are ineligible to vote while in prison, on parole, or on probation. Voting rights are automatically restored upon completion of all supervised release. Ex-offenders should re-register to vote.
Kentucky
Kentucky’s constitution bars all individuals with past felony convictions from voting unless the governor restores the right to vote. In December 2019, newly-elected Governor Beshear issued an executive order granting and restoring the vote to more than 140,000 residents who have completed sentences for nonviolent felonies. The policy will continue for all non-violent offenders who complete their sentences at least while he remains Governor. Contact the Secretary of State or your local election office for more information.
Louisiana
As of 2019 Individuals convicted of a felony are not eligible to vote for five years after release from prison while on parole, or probation. After five years, you automatically regain the right to vote. You must re-register to vote.
Maine
The right to vote is never taken away from individuals convicted of a felony, even while in prison.
Maryland
Individuals convicted of a felony are ineligible to vote while in prison but can register and vote upon release, even while on probation or parole. Ex-offenders should re-register to vote.
Massachusetts
Individuals in prison for a felony conviction are ineligible to vote. Voting rights are automatically restored upon release from prison. People on parole or probation can vote. Ex-offenders should re-register to vote.
Michigan
Individuals in prison for a felony conviction are ineligible to vote. Voting rights are automatically restored upon release from prison. People on parole or probation can vote. Ex-offenders should re-register to vote.
Visit the Michigan Department of State’s website for more information.
Minnesota
Individuals convicted of a felony are ineligible to vote while in prison, on parole, or on probation. Voting rights are automatically restored upon completion of all supervised release. Ex-offenders should re-register to vote.
Mississippi
People convicted of one or more of a specific list of felony crimes are barred from voting. To regain the right to vote, individuals, after completion of their sentence including prison, probation, parole, and all forms of supervised release, must go to their state representative and convince them to personally author a bill restoring the vote to that individual. Both houses of the legislature must then pass the bill. Re-enfranchisement can also be granted directly by the governor. People with felonies not on the list or anyone awaiting trial may register to vote.
Note: Individuals convicted of felonies in Mississippi remain eligible to vote for U.S. President in federal elections.
Missouri
Individuals convicted of a felony are ineligible to vote while in prison, on parole, or on probation. Voting rights are automatically restored upon completion of all supervised release. Ex-offenders should re-register to vote. Individuals who have been convicted of an election offense, whether a felony or misdemeanor, are not allowed to vote
Montana
Individuals in prison for a felony conviction are ineligible to vote. Voting rights are automatically restored upon release from prison. People on parole or probation can vote. Ex-offenders should re-register to vote.
Nebraska
Individuals convicted of a felony are ineligible to vote while in prison, on parole, or on probation. Voting rights are automatically restored two years after the completion of all supervised release (except if convicted of treason). Ex-offenders should re-register to vote. Visit the Nebraska Secretary of State website for more information.
Nevada
As of July 1, 2019, Nevada’s Governor signed a new law restoring all voting rights automatically upon release from prison. Any person on parole or probation can vote. Ex-offenders should re-register to vote.
New Hampshire
Individuals in prison for a felony conviction are ineligible to vote. Voting rights are automatically restored upon release from prison. People on parole or probation can vote. Ex-offenders should re-register to vote.
New Jersey
As of March 2020, the law changed to restore all voting rights to people with a felony or convicted of any crime upon release from prison. People on parole or probation are now able to register and vote. Learn more with the State of New Jersey’s Voter Restoration Handbook here.
New Mexico
Individuals convicted of a felony are ineligible to vote while in prison, on parole, or on probation. Voting rights are automatically restored upon completion of all supervised release. Ex-offenders should re-register to vote.
New York
On May 4, 2021, Governor Cuomo signed legislation automatically restoring voting rights for all New Yorkers who are not in prison. The right to vote is automatically restored for all persons upon release from prison. People on parole or probation can register and vote.
North Carolina
Individuals convicted of a felony are ineligible to vote while in prison, on parole, or on probation. Voting rights are automatically restored upon completion of all supervised release. Ex-offenders should register to vote.
North Dakota
Individuals in prison for a felony conviction are ineligible to vote. Voting rights are automatically restored upon release from prison. People on parole or probation can vote. Ex-offenders should re-register to vote.
Ohio
Individuals in prison for a felony conviction are ineligible to vote. Voting rights are automatically restored upon release from prison. People on parole or probation can vote. Ex-offenders should re-register to vote.
Oklahoma
Individuals convicted of a felony are ineligible to vote until the full term of their original sentence ends, including any parole and/or probation. from the time of judgment and sentencing until the full sentence has expired. Once eligble, the person must re-register to have voting rights completely restored.
Oregon
Voting rights are automatically restored upon release from prison. People on parole or probation can vote. Ex-offenders should re-register to vote.
Pennsylvania
Voting rights are automatically restored upon release from prison. People on parole or probation can vote. Ex-offenders should re-register to vote.
Rhode Island
Voting rights are automatically restored upon release from prison. People on parole or probation can vote. Ex-offenders should re-register to vote.
South Carolina
Individuals convicted of a felony are ineligible to vote while in prison, on parole, or on probation. Voting rights are automatically restored upon completion of all supervised release. Ex-offenders should re-register to vote.
South Dakota
Individuals convicted of a felony are ineligible to vote while in prison, on probation, or on parole. Ex-offenders should re-register to vote.
Tennessee
Individuals convicted of a felony are ineligible to vote while in prison, on parole, or on probation. Individuals convicted of a felony since 1981–except for some felonies such as murder, rape, treason, and voter fraud–may apply to the Board of Probation and Parole to have their voting rights restored once their sentence is completed. People convicted of a felony between Jan. 15, 1973, and May 17, 1981, are eligible to register to vote regardless of the crime committed. People convicted before January 1973 are barred from voting only if convicted of a specific list of crimes listed on this fact sheet.
Texas
Individuals convicted of a felony are ineligible to vote while in prison, on parole, or on probation. Voting rights are automatically restored upon completion of all supervised release. Ex-offenders should re-register to vote.
Utah
Voting rights are automatically restored upon release from prison. People on parole or probation can vote. Ex-offenders should re-register to vote.
Vermont
The right to vote is never taken away from individuals convicted of a felony, even while in prison.
Virginia
By the Executive order of the Governor on March 16, 2021, eligible voters are no longer barred from voting after prison while on probation or parole. Voting rights are automatically restored upon release from prison on a rolling basis by the Governor. You should check with the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Restoration of Rights Process to see if you have had your voting right restored.
Washington
Individuals convicted of a felony are ineligible to vote while in prison or on parole, or on probation. Voting rights are automatically restored upon completion of all supervised release. However, if you were convicted of a felony in another state or by a federal court, you can register and vote if you are not currently in prison for the same crime. Special Update: On Washington enacted a new law that will automatically restore the right to vote on release from prison for all persons starting in 2022.
West Virginia
Individuals convicted of a felony are ineligible to vote while in prison, on parole, or on probation. Voting rights are automatically restored upon completion of all supervised release. Ex-offenders should re-register to vote.
Wisconsin
Individuals convicted of a felony are ineligible to vote while in prison, on parole, or on probation. Voting rights are automatically restored upon completion of all supervised release. Ex-offenders should re-register to vote.
Wyoming
Individuals convicted in Wyoming of a non-violent felony since January 2010 automatically have their rights restored after prison. Those convicted on a non-violent felony before 2010 or in another state can apply to the Wyoming Board of Parole to have their rights restored. All others must apply to the Governor for either a pardon or a restoration of rights after completing their sentence including probation and parole.
