Last updated on: 5/1/2023 | Author: ProCon.org

State Voting Laws & Policies for People with Felony Convictions

Some states have laws on the books that contradict current state policy as enacted by the current governor. Here we have tried to list the current policy as it impacts those with felony convictions. Please note the last updated date on this page and consult your state government if you have any questions.

9 States*: May Lose Vote Permanently

Alabama, Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, & Wyoming

*Maryland and Missouri may permanently disenfranchise voters convicted of certain election crimes, but we’ve categorized the states according to the policy for the most people.

15 States: Vote Restored after Prison, Parole, & Probation

Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, West Virginia, & Wisconsin

1 State: Vote Restored after Prison & Parole

Louisiana

23 States: Vote Restored after Prison

California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Virginia, & Washington*

*The Washington legislation signed on Apr. 7, 2021 by Governor Jay Inslee restoring the right to vote upon release from prison goes into effect in Jan. 2022. Until then, the right to vote is not restored until prison, parole, and probation are completed.

2 states & DC: Unrestricted; May Vote from Prison

DC, Maine, & Vermont


Alabama

Some people convicted of a felony may apply to have their vote restored immediately upon completion of their full sentence. Those convicted of certain felony offenses such as murder, rape, incest, sexual crime against children, and treason are not eligible for re-enfranchisement.

Instructions for Voting Restoration, State of Alabama (accessed Oct. 24, 2017)


Arizona

Automatic voting restoration upon completion of sentence and payment of all fines for first-time, single-felony offenders. Second-time felony offenders may apply for restoration with their county after completion of their sentence.

Instructions for Voting Restoration, State of Arizona, (accessed Oct. 24, 2017)


California

On Sep. 28, 2016, California Gov. Jerry Brown signed AB 2466, a bill that allows those convicted of felonies who are serving time in county jails (rather than state prison) the ability to vote from within jail.

On Nov. 3, 2020, California voters approved Proposition 17, which allows people on parole to vote.

Assembly Bill No. 2466 (accessed Oct. 4, 2016)

Ballotpedia, “California Proposition 17, Voting Rights Restoration for Persons on Parole Amendment,” ballotpedia.org (accessed Nov. 4, 2020)


Colorado

On July 1, 2019, a law went into effect that reenfranchises people convicted of felonies who have been released from prison, but who are serving parole.

Source:
Alex Burness, “As of Today, 11,467 Colorado Parolees Can Register to Vote. Will They?,” coloradoindependent.com, July 2019


Connecticut

On June 23, 2021, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont signed legislation restoring the right to vote to all state residents who are not in prison. Previously, people with felony convictions had to have completed parole to vote.

Source:
Brennan Center for Justice, “Voting Rights Restoration Efforts in Connecticut,” brennancenter.org, May 25, 2021


Delaware

On Apr. 16, 2013 the Delaware Senate passed the Hazel D. Plant Voter Restoration Act in a 15-6 vote. The act amended the Delaware Constitution by removing the five year waiting period for most with felony convictions to regain the ability to vote. People convicted of a felony (with some exceptions) are now automatically eligible to vote after serving their full sentence including incarceration, parole, and probation.

Exceptions: People convicted of murder or manslaughter, a felony offense against public administration involving bribery, improper influence, or abuse of office, or a felony sexual offense remain permanently disqualified from voting.

Hazel D. Plant Voter Restoration Act (accessed Apr. 16, 2013)
Delaware Constitution: Article V Section 2 (accessed Feb. 12, 2014)


Florida

On Nov. 6, 2018, Florida voters passed Amendment 4 (64% in favor – 36% opposed), allowing people with prior felony convictions (other than murder and sex offenses) to automatically regain their ability to vote once they have served their terms of incarceration and completed all parole and probation. On June 28, 2019, Governor Ron DeSantis signed bill SB 7066 that requires those convicted of felonies to pay all restitution, court fees, and fines before they can regain the right to vote.

The law has since undergone several rounds of court challenges. The US Supreme Court ruled on July 16, 2020, that the law requiring payment of fines prior to restoration of voting rights can be enforced by the state of Florida. On Sep. 11, 2020, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the Florida law requiring payment, stating, “Florida withholds the franchise from any felon, regardless of wealth, who has failed to complete any term of his criminal sentence—financial or otherwise.”

Sources:
The Washington Post, “Florida Passes Amendment to Restore Felons’ Voting Rights,” washingtonpost.com, Nov. 7, 2018
Brooke Seipel, “Florida Gov Signs Law Requiring Felons to Pay Off Fines before They Can Vote,” thehill.com, June 28, 2019
Tal Axelrod, “Florida Supreme Court Rules Convicted Felons Must Pay Fines, Fees before Voting,” thehill.com, Jan. 16, 2020
Tal Axelrod, “Court Sides with Ex-Felons Who Challenged Florida Voting Requirement,” the hill.com, Feb. 19, 2020

Lori Rozsa, “Federal Judge Expands Voting Decisions to Apply to All Ex-Felons in Florida,” washingtonpost.com, Apr. 7, 2020
Corey Goldstone, “Ruling at Upcoming Trial Will Apply to Hundreds of Thousands of Floridians Seeking Voting Rights Restoration,” campaignlegal.org, Apr. 7, 2020
Lawrence Mower, “Appeals Court Halts Florida Felons from Registering to Vote, Pending further Review,” miamiherald.com, July 1, 2020
Dan Berman, “Supreme Court Says Florida Can Enforce Law Limiting Felons Who Owe Fines from Voting,” cnn.com, July 16, 2020
J. Edward Moreno, “Court Upholds Florida Law Requiring Felons to Pay Fines, Fees before They Can Vote,” thehill.com, Sep. 11, 2020

According to the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition website (accessed Nov. 7, 2018), “If you were convicted of a felony in another state and had your civil rights restored before you became a Florida resident, you do not need to apply for RCR [restoration of civil rights] in Florida.


Iowa

On Jan. 14, 2011, the Republican Governor of Iowa, Terry Branstad, issued executive order 70, rescinding a law allowing people convicted of a felony to automatically have their ability to vote restored after completing their sentences. The automatic voting restoration law had been instituted by former Democratic Governor Tom Vilsack’s signing of executive order 42 in 2005. People convicted of a felony in Iowa must now pay all outstanding monetary obligations to the court in addition to completing their sentence and period of parole or probation. People convicted of a felony may then apply for restoration of the ability to vote.

On Aug. 5, 2020, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed an executive order automatically restoring the vote to people convicted of felonies who have completed their sentences. People convicted of felony homicide will still have to apply for reenfranchisement.

Executive Order 70 – Signed Jan. 14, 2011, Terry Branstad, Governor (R)
Executive Order 42 – Signed July 4, 2005, Thomas J. Vilsack, JD, Governor (D)
Iowa Streamlined Application for Restoration of Citizenship Rights (accessed Oct. 20, 2017)
Veronica Stracqualursi, “Iowa Governor Signs Executive Order Restoring Some Ex-Felons’ Voting Rights,” cnn.com, Aug. 5, 2020


Kentucky

On Nov. 24, 2015, Kentucky Gov. Steven L. Beshear issued executive order 2015-871 to automatically restore the right to vote to people convicted of nonviolent felonies who have completed probation, parole, and who have no outstanding court-ordered restitution payments. On Dec. 22, 2015, newly elected Gov. Matthew G. Bevin issued executive order 2015-052, rescinding the previous Governor’s executive order. On Dec. 12, 2019, on his third day in office, newly elected Gov. Andy Beshear (son of former governor Steven Beshear) signed an executive order restoring the vote to 140,000 people who had completed their sentences for nonviolent felonies.

Those convicted of violent felonies did not have their votes restored, leaving Kentucky categorized as a state in which people may permanently lose their votes.

Executive Order 2019-033 – Signed Dec. 12, 2019, Andy Beshear, Governor (D)
Executive Order 2015-052 – Signed Dec. 22, 2015, Matthew G. Bevin, Governor (R)
Executive Order 2015-871 – Signed Nov. 24, 2015, Steven L. Beshear, Governor (D)
Kentucky Application for Restoration of Civil Rights (accessed Oct. 24, 2017)


Louisiana

On May 31, 2018, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards signed House Bill 265 into law. Once the law goes into effect on Mar. 1, 2019, all people who have been convicted of a felony in Louisiana, and who have not been incarcerated in prison during the previous five years, will be allowed to register to vote, even if they are still serving a term of probation or parole.

House Bill 265 – Signed May 31, 2018, John Bel Edwards, Governor (D)


Maryland

On Feb. 9, 2016, the Maryland General Assembly overrode the Governor’s veto of SB 340 and restored the vote to all people convicted of felonies immediately upon their release from prison. Previously, people convicted of felonies in Maryland had to complete all parole and probation before they were able to vote.

Senate Bill 340 (accessed Feb. 9, 2016)


Minnesota

On Mar. 3, 2023, Governor Tim Walz signed SF26, which restored the right to vote to people convicted of felonies once they complete their prison sentence(s). Minnesota previously required that parole was completed.

Sydney Kashiwagi, “Minnesota Governor Signs Bill Expanding Voting Rights for Ex-Felons,” cnn.com, Mar. 3, 2023


Mississippi

People convicted of a felony are barred from voting only if they have been convicted of one or more of the following specific felony crimes: “murder, rape, bribery, theft, arson, obtaining money or goods under false pretense, perjury, forgery, embezzlement, bigamy, armed robbery, extortion, felony bad check, felony shoplifting, larceny, receiving stolen property, robbery, timber larceny, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, statutory rape, carjacking, or larceny under lease or rental agreement.”

To regain the ability to vote, an individual, after completion of his/her sentence, must go to his/her 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.

Individuals convicted of felonies in Mississippi remain eligible to vote for US President in federal elections.

Mississippi Constitution: Article 12, Section 241 (accessed June 8, 2012)
Mississippi Constitution: Article 12, Section 253 (accessed June 8, 2012)


Nebraska

People convicted of a felony are automatically permitted to vote two years after completion of their sentence of incarceration and all parole and probation for all convictions except treason.

Felon Voting Rights FAQ (accessed Oct. 24, 2017)


Nevada

On May 30, 2019, Nevada’s governor signed Assembly Bill 431, which allowed for the automatic restoration of voting privileges to all people upon release from prison.

Nevada Assembly Bill 431 (accessed May 30, 2019)


New Jersey

On. Dec. 18, 2019, Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation to restore voting rights to those who are on probation or parole after completing prison sentences. The law will take effect in Mar. 2020. Previously, voting was allowed only after completion of probation or parole.

Source:
Reid Wilson, “New Jersey Governor Signs Voting Rights Restoration Bill, “thehill.com, Dec. 18, 2019


New York

On Apr. 18, 2018, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo issued Executive Order 181 to restore the right to vote to parolees, dependent upon review of records by the Governor’s Office. The Commissioner of the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision will submit records for individuals released from prison in the prior month beginning on May 1, 2018 for review. Previously, voting was allowed only after completion of parole.

On May 4, 2021, Governor Cuomo signed a bill into law that automatically restores voting rights upon release from prison, even if the person is on parole. Previously, under Cuomo’s executive order, the person would have to apply for a review of records.

Executive Order No. 181, Signed Apr. 18, 2018, Andrew M. Cuomo

Jordan Williams, “Cuomo Signs Legislation Restoring Voting Rights to Felons upon Release from Prison,” thehill.com, May 5, 2021


North Carolina

On Aug. 23, 2021, a three-judge panel in North Carolina issued a preliminary injunction declaring that people convicted of felonies who have completed their prison time must be allowed to register to vote immediately. The injunction restored the right to vote to about 56,000 people who are on probation, parole or post-release supervision.

On Sep. 14, 2021, the NC Supreme Court put that ruling on hold while it was appealed. According to Democracy Docket, “Individuals in the state who are on probation, parole or a suspended sentence may no longer register to vote while the case moves through the appeals process, though those who registered to vote before the lower court’s ruling was paused are still considered registered voters.”

On Mar. 28, 2022, a NC state court ruled that people with felony convictions could vote once released from prison. However, that ruling was temporarily stayed, pending appeals to the NC State Supreme Court, by the Wake County Superior Court. The ruling states that the NC Board of Election should hold and not act upon voter registrations by people with felony convictions who are out of prison.

On Apr. 28, 2023, the North Carolina Supreme Court overturned the trial court decision. Those convicted of felonies are now required to complete prison, probation, parole, and pay all fines before they may register to vote.

Associated Press, “Roughly 56,000 Felony Offenders Can Now Vote In North Carolina,” npr.org, Aug. 23, 2021

Carolina Journal Staff, “Felon Voting Ban Is Racially Motivated and Unconstitutional, NC Judges ruleAppeals Court Blocks Ruling That Would Allow Felons to Vote in N.C.,” carolinajournal.com, Apr. 5, 2022

Democracy Docket, “North Carolina Supreme Court Rolls Back Voting Rights Win for Former Felons,” democracydocket.com, Sep. 14, 2021

Will Doran, “Felon Voting Ban Is Racially Motivated and Unconstitutional, NC Judges Rule,” newsobserver.com, Mar. 29, 2022

Gary D. Robertson, “N. Carolina Justices Hand GOP Big Wins with Election Rulings,” apnews.com, Apr, 28, 2023

Mychael Schnell, “Civil Rights Groups: North Carolina Ruling Will Allow 56K Felony Offenders to Vote,” thehill.com, Aug. 23, 2021


South Dakota

On Mar. 19, 2012, HB 1247 was enacted. The bill took the ability to vote away from people convicted of felonies serving terms of probation. Previously, only people on parole or incarcerated were ineligible to register to vote. Now people convicted of felonies must serve their full term of incarceration, parole, and probation before they may register to vote.

South Dakota: HB 1247 (accessed June 8, 2012)


Tennessee

All people convicted of a felony since 1981, except for some serious felonies such as murder, rape, treason and voter fraud, may apply to the Board of Probation and Parole for voting restoration upon completion of their sentence.

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 of certain felonies prior to Jan. 15, 1973 may be barred from voting.

Tennessee Restoration of Voting Rights (accessed Oct. 24, 2017)


Virginia

Virginia law indicates that people convicted of felonies will be disenfranchised. However, Virginia governors since 2014 have restored rights to those who have completed their prison sentences with executive actions.

On Apr. 18, 2014 Governor Terry McAuliffe announced changes to Virginia’s restoration of rights process. Under the new rules, people convicted of non-violent felonies (including drug crimes) will have their ability to vote automatically restored providing that they:

1. have completed their term of incarceration and all probation or parole;
2. have paid all court costs, fines, and any restitution; and
3. have no pending felony charges.

On June 23, 2015 Governor McAuliffe announced that “outstanding court costs and fees will no longer prohibit an individual from having his or her rights restored.”

On Apr. 22, 2016, Governor McAuliffe signed an order restoring the vote to all 200,000+ people convicted of felonies in Virginia, regardless of their charge, who had completed their term of incarceration and their term of probation or parole. The New York Times reports (Apr. 22, 2016, “Virginia Governor Restores Voting Rights to Felons”) that the governor’s action will not apply to people convicted of felonies released in the future, although the Governor’s aides say he plans “to issue similar orders on a monthly basis to cover people as they are released.”

On July 22, 2016 the Virginia Supreme Court overturned Gov. Terry McAuliffe’s blanket restoration of voting rights for over 200,000 people convicted of felonies. In a press release the Governor stated that he “will expeditiously sign nearly 13,000 individual orders to restore the fundamental rights of the citizens who have had their rights restored and registered to vote. And I will continue to sign orders until I have completed restoration for all 200,000 Virginians.”

On Mar. 16, 2021, Governor Ralph Northam issued rules that allows those with felony convictions to vote as soon as they have completed their prison sentences.

On May 20, 2022, Governor Glenn Youngkin announced he would restore voting (and other civil) rights to 3,496 people with felony convictions who have completed their sentences. The Youngkin administration stated rights would be restored “on an ongoing basis.”

In Mar. 2023, the Youngkin administration announced that people with felony convictions who have completed their sentences would have to apply to have their voting rights restored, a split from the previous three administrations during which rights were restored automatically by the governors.

Fredreka Schouten, “Virginia Gov. Northam Restores Voting Rights to 69,000 Former Felons with New Policy,” cnn.com, Mar. 16, 2021
Governor McAuliffe’s Statement on the Virginia Supreme Court Decision (accessed July 26, 2016)

Governor McAuliffe Restores Voting and Civil Rights to Over 200,000 Virginians (accessed Apr. 22, 2016)
Governor McAuliffe Announces New Reforms to Restoration of Rights Process (accessed July 2, 2015)
Governor McAuliffe’s Letter Outlining His Policy Changes (accessed Apr. 21, 2014)
Graham Moomaw, “Youngkin Administration Now Requires Felons to Apply to Get Their Voting Rights Back,” virginiamercury.com, Mar. 23, 2023
Laura Vozzella, “VA. Gov. Youngkin Restores Voting Rights to Thousands of Ex-Felons,” washingtonpost.com, May 20, 2022


Washington

All people with a felony conviction must re-register to vote after completion of their sentence and all parole and probation. However, the Secretary of State’s website states that “your voting rights can be revoked if the sentencing court determines that you have failed to comply with the terms of your legal financial obligations.”

Legislation signed on Apr. 7, 2021 by Governor Jay Inslee restores the right to vote upon release from prison and goes into effect in Jan. 2022. Until then, the right to vote is not restored until prison, parole, and probation are completed.

Felons and Voting Rights (accessed Oct. 20, 2017)

Jay Inslee, twitter.com, Apr 7, 2021


Wyoming

Effective July 1, 2017, W.S. §7-13-105 allows individuals convicted, that are people convicted for the first time for nonviolent felonies, to automatically have their right to vote restored if they completed their supervision or were discharged from an institution on or after January 1, 2010. Individuals who completed their sentence prior to January 1, 2010, are required to apply for restoration of the right to vote.” All others convicted of a felony must be pardoned or have their rights restored by the governor.

Wyoming Restoration of Voting Rights (accessed Oct. 24, 2017)
Wyoming Restoration of Voting Rights Application (accessed Oct. 24, 2017)


General Source: Brennan Center for Justice, “Criminal Disenfranchisement Laws Across the United States,” brennancenter.org, Apr. 7, 2021