Last updated: September 18, 2023

Voting rights restoration after a felony conviction

In almost all states, people with felony convictions lose the right to vote. Regaining the right to vote after a felony conviction is called “rights restoration.” Most states allow people convicted of certain felonies to automatically regain voting eligibility immediately following incarceration or immediately following completion of probation or parole. A handful of states have an additional requirement that people pay all financial obligations associated with the conviction, or wait for a period prior to having their voting eligibility restored. In other states, there is no automatic restoration of voting eligibility: People convicted of felonies must apply and go through a process for restoration or, in some cases, can never have their voting eligibility restored at all.

If you have a felony conviction and would like to register to vote, VoteAmerica recommends that you visit Restore Your Vote. They are experts in voting rights restoration.

The table below contains useful information on rights restoration. For more information, the Voting Rights Lab is the most reliable and comprehensive source of voting rights restoration information that we've found.

If you have any questions, we recommend you visit Restore Your Vote. They have attorneys on staff who can guide you.

If anything on this page is incorrect, please fill out this form to let us know.

State	When are voting rights restored?	Financial obligations	Notes	Learn more
Alabama	Alabama does not automtically restore voting rights to anyone with a felony conviction. If you were convicted of crimes of "moral turpitude" such as murder, rape, incest, sexual crimes against children, or treason you will be permanently disenfranchised. For other felonies, you can apply for rights restoration after you've completed prison, parole, probation, and you've paid all fees and fines.	parole fees probation fees court fees restitution fees	In 2017, Alabama lawmakers clarified the longstanding provision that disenfranchised persons convicted of crimes of “moral turpitude” by establishing a list of 46 specific felonies considered to involve moral turpitude. These convictions result in the loss of the right to vote; however, individuals with these convictions may be eligible to apply to restore it. At a minimum, you're applying for restoration; in some cases you'll need a full pardon.	Alabama restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Alaska	Voting rights are restored upon completion of prison, parole, and probation.	parole fees probation fees		Alaska restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Arizona	For a first felony that is not an election-related offense, voting rights are restored upon completion of prison, parole, probation, and the payment of all fees (including restitution). For any other situation, citizens will have to apply to the court to have their voting rights restored.	parole fees probation fees court fees restitution fees	Arizona permanently disenfranchises individuals with two or more felony convictions.	Arizona restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Arkansas	Voting rights are restored following fulfillment of prison, parole, probation, and the payment of all fees, including court-ordered restitution. This will not happen automatically. You must provide proof to the county clerk that you (1) have been discharged from probation or parole, (2) paid all probation or parole fees, (3) satisfied all terms of imprisonment, and (4) paid all applicable court costs, fines, or restitution.	parole fees probation fees court fees restitution fees		Arkansas restoration information(Opens in a new window)
California	Voting rights are restored upon release from prison. You can register to vote on probation or parole.	None	In 2020, California voters passed Proposition 17 restoring voting rights to citizens on parole.	California restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Colorado	Voting rights are restored upon release from prison. You can register to vote on probation or parole.	None		Colorado restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Connecticut	Voting rights are immediately restored for most felonies immediately upon release from prison. If you were convincted for violating the Connecticut Election Code, your voting rights will be restored after you complete probation.	None	In 2021, Connecticut passed SB 1202 restoring voting rights to citizens on parole.	Connecticut restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Delaware	Voting rights in Delaware are automtically restored after probation or parole for most felonies. Voting rights are not automatically restored if you were convicted of murder, manslaughter (except vehicular homicide), an offense against public administration involving bribery or improper influence or abuse of office, election offenses, or any felony constituting a sexual offense.	parole fees probation fees	In 2013, Delaware removed its five-year waiting period, allowing those convicted of most offenses to vote upon completion of sentence and supervision. People who are convicted of disqualifying felonies (murder, bribery, sexual offenses) are permanently disenfranchised.	Delaware restoration information(Opens in a new window)
District of Columbia	Voting rights are retained while in prison. You do not lose the right to vote.	None	In 2020, Washington, D.C., passed B 825, allowing convicted felons to vote while incarcerated.	District of Columbia restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Florida	Voting rights are automatically restored for most felonies upon completion of prison, parole, probation, and payment of all fines and fees. If you were convicted of murder or a sexual offense, you must apply for restoration through the Florida Clemency Board.	parole fees probation fees court fees restitution fees	In 2018, Florida voters passed Amendment 4, expanding voting rights to people convicted of most felony convictions upon completion all terms of their sentence. For those convicted of murder or felony sexual offenses, the state requires a five-year waiting period before individuals can apply for rights restoration.	Florida restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Georgia	Voting rights are restored upon completion of prison, parole, probation, and payment of all fees and fines.	parole fees probation fees court fees restitution fees		Georgia restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Hawaii	Voting rights are restored when you are released from prison. You can register to vote on probation or parole.	None		Hawaii restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Idaho	Voting rights are restored upon completion of prison, parole, and probation.	parole fees probation fees		Idaho restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Illinois	Voting rights are immediately restored when you are released from prison. You can register to vote on probation or parole.	None		Illinois restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Indiana	Voting rights are immediately restored when you are released from prison. You can register to vote on probation or parole.	None		Indiana restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Iowa	Voting rights are restored after you complete your parole or probation, unless you were convicted of homocide.	None	In 2020, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds issued an executive order restoring the voting rights of people with felony convictions who have served their sentences. It excludes certain categories of homicide and sexual abuse crimes from automatic restoration. The order does not condition restoration of rights on the payment of fines, fees or restitution to victims.	Iowa restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Kansas	Voting rights are restored immediately after parole or probation.	parole fees probation fees		Kansas restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Kentucky	Voting rights are automatically restored for non-violent offense after parole, probation, and the payment of all fees. Voting rights are not automatically restored for violent offenses, human trafficking, treason, election-related bribery, or for felony convictions in another state or in the federal system.	parole fees probation fees court fees restitution fees	In 2019, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear signed an executive order to automatically restore the right to vote (and to hold public office) to certain offenders, excluding those who were convicted of violent crimes, sex crimes, bribery or treason.	Kentucky restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Louisiana	Your voting rights will be restored after you complete probation or parole for most felonies OR 5 years after you were released from prison, whichever comes first. If you were convicted of an election releated felony, however, your rights will only be restored after you complete probation or parole. The five year rule will not apply to you.	parole fees probation fees	In 2018, Louisiana authorized rights restoration for residents on probation or on parole if they have not been in prison for five years; policy excludes residents convicted of felonies for election fraud or other election offenses.	Louisiana restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Maine	Voting rights are retained while in prison. You do not lose the right to vote.	None		Maine restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Maryland	Voting rights are restored automatically upon release from prison. You can register to vote unless you were convicted of buying and selling votes.	None		Maryland restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Massachusetts	Voting rights are immediately restored when you are released from prison. You can register to vote on probation or parole.	None		Massachusetts restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Michigan	Voting rights are immediately restored when you are released from prison. You can register to vote on probation or parole.	None		Michigan restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Minnesota	As of July 2023, your voting rights will be automatically restored immediately upon your releease from prison. You can register to vote if you are on parole. or probation.	None	Effective July 1, 2023, voting rights are only restricted while incarcerated.	Minnesota restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Mississippi	Missisippi doesn't automatically restore voting rights to anyone with a felony conviction. It is very, very difficult to have your rights restored in Mississippi. Options include a pardon directly from the Governor, or a pardon from the state legislature (which requires them to draft and then pass a bill in favor of your pardon). However if you have specific felony convictions you are permantly banned from voting.	parole fees probation fees court fees restitution	Mississippi permanently disenfranchises individuals convicted of certain offenses. If you are unsure of your ability to register and vote, contact the Secretary of State’s election hotline 1-800-829-6786.	Mississippi restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Missouri	Voting rights are restored when you complete your parole or probation, unless you were convicted of an election-related offense.	parole fees probation fees		Missouri restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Montana	Voting rights are immediately restored when you are released from prison. You can register to vote on probation or parole.	None		Montana restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Nebraska	Voting rights are restored automatically 2 years after the completion of your sentence, including prison, parole, and probation. You should receive a notice letting you know that your rights have been restored; you can then register to vote.	parole fees probation fees	In 2005, Nebraska reduced its indefinite ban on voting to a two-year post-supervision waiting period.	Nebraska restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Nevada	Voting rights are restored when you are released from prison. You can register to vote on probation or parole.	None		Nevada restoration information(Opens in a new window)
New Hampshire	Voting rights are restored immediately upon release from prison unless you were convincted of treason, bribery, or willful violation of election law.	None		New Hampshire restoration information(Opens in a new window)
New Jersey	Voting rights are immediately restored when you are released from prison. You can register to vote on probation or parole.	None	In 2020, New Jersey enacted AB 5823, restoring the right to vote to people with a felony conviction upon release from prison and allowing people on parole or probation to vote.	New Jersey restoration information(Opens in a new window)
New Mexico	Voting rights are restored automatically upon completion of parole or probation.	parole fees probation fees		New Mexico restoration information(Opens in a new window)
New York	Voting rights are immediately restored when you are released from prison. You can register to vote on probation or parole.	None	In 2021, New York passed SB 830 restoring voting rights to citizens on parole.	New York restoration information(Opens in a new window)
North Carolina	Voting rights are restored after parole or probation, as long as you pay all relevant fees and fines.	parole fees probation fees court fees restitution fees	An April 28th, 2023 ruling overturned a previous ruling and reverted to a 1973 law. Rights are restored after completion of parole and payment of fines and fees.	North Carolina restoration information(Opens in a new window)
North Dakota	Voting rights are immediately restored when you are released from prison. You can register to vote on probation or parole.	None		North Dakota restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Ohio	Voting rights are restored automatically upon release from prison. You can register to vote unless you have multiple convictions for violating Ohio election laws.	None		Ohio restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Oklahoma	There is a waiting period in Oklahoma before your voting rights are restored. Your rights are restored after you have completed prison, parole, or probation, however there is no time off for good behavior when it comes to rights restoration. If you were originally sentenced to a 10 year prison sentence, your rights will not be restored for a full 10 years, even if you are released early from prison.	parole fees probation fees	If you are sentenced to 7 years in prison and are released from prison after 3 years, under current Oklahoma law, you still are not eligible to vote until a total of 7 years (your original sentence) has passed since your conviction.	Oklahoma restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Oregon	Voting rights are immediately restored when you are released from prison. You can register to vote on probation or parole.	None		Oregon restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Pennsylvania	Voting rights are restored automatically upon release from prison for most felonies. If you were convicted of a misdemeanor or felony violation of the Election Code, you will regain your voting rights four years after the date of your conviction or the date of your release from prison, whichever occurs later.	None		Pennsylvania restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Rhode Island	Voting rights are immediately restored when you are released from prison. You can register to vote on probation or parole.	None		Rhode Island restoration information(Opens in a new window)
South Carolina	Voting rights are restored upon completion of parole or probation. Some counties might ask you to show proof that you're no longer under supervision before letting you register to vote.	parole fees probation fees		South Carolina restoration information(Opens in a new window)
South Dakota	Voting rights are restored automatically upon completion of prison, parole, probation, and the payment of all fines and fees.	parole fees probation fees court fees restitution fees		South Dakota restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Tennessee	Tennessee citizens will be permanently disenfranchised if convicted of any of the following offenses: voter fraud, treason, murder, rape, felony bribery, felony official misconduct, felony interference with government operations, or felony sexual offenses. As of July 2023, people will felony convictions will only have their rights restored if they receive a pardon from the TN Governor, and pay all fines and fees (including court fees and restitution), and any outstanding child support payments.	parole fees probation fees court fees restitution	Tennessee disenfranchises those convicted of felonies since 1981, in addition to those convicted of select offenses prior to 1973.	Tennessee restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Texas	Voting rights are restored upon completion of prison, parole, and probation.	parole fees probation fees		Texas restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Utah	Voting rights are restored when you are released from prison. You can register to vote on probation or parole.	None		Utah restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Vermont	Voting rights are retained while in prison. You do not lose the right to vote.	None		Vermont restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Virginia	No automatic voting rights restoration. Individuals convicted of felonies are required to seek restoration of their right to vote from the governor or the relevant circuit court of Virginia.	parole fees probation fees	In 2021, Gov. Ralph Northam announced an executive action that will allow any person released from incarceration to qualify to have their voting rights restored.	Virginia restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Washington	Voting rights are immediately restored when you are released from prison.	None, but your voting rights can be revoked if you do not pay your parole or probation fees.	In 2021, Washington passed HB 1078 restoring voting rights to citizens on parole.	Washington restoration information(Opens in a new window)
West Virginia	Voting rights are restored upon completion of prison, parole, and probation.	parole fees probation fees		West Virginia restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Wisconsin	Voting rights are restored upon completion of prison, parole, and probation.	parole fees probation fees		Wisconsin restoration information(Opens in a new window)
Wyoming	Voting rights are automtically restored upon completetion of prison, parole, and probation for nonviolent felonies and for first-time offenders. All other instances require a pardon in order to have your voting rights restored.	parole fees probation fees	In 2017, Wyoming authorized automatic rights restoration for individuals with first time non-violent felony convictions after they complete their supervision. For other convictions, the state requires a five- or seven-year waiting period depending on the offense before individuals can apply for rights restoration.	Wyoming restoration information(Opens in a new window)