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Voting rights restoration after a felony conviction

Each state has different laws for restoring voting rights after a felony conviction. In some states, convicted felons never lose the right to vote, while in others certain felony offenses will permanantly restrict the ability to vote. Many states require that any outstanding fines, fees, and restitution be paid as a condition of probation or parole. Voting rights are automatically restored for returning citizens in some states, with others requiring an application for rights restoration.

In most instances, if you have been convicted of a misdemeanor you can still vote, even while incarcerated. This also applies if you have not yet been convicted of a felony and are awaiting trial. You can use these links to register to vote and apply for an absentee ballot.

The table below indicates the conditions in which voting rights are restored after a felony conviction for all 50 states and DC. Regardless of how your voting rights are restored, you will still have to complete a new voter registration form to be eligible to vote.

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

StateVoting rights restored automaticallyFine & fee paymentRestoration processNotesRegister to vote
Alabama
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: No
  • On probation: No
  • Post sentence: No

You must demonstrate full payment of all fines & fees before you can apply to have your voting rights restored. Once rights are restored, you may register to vote.

If you are convicted of a crime of "moral turpitude”, you are ineligible to vote while in prison, on parole, or on probation. Voting rights restoration is dependent on the type of conviction: you may apply to have your voting rights restored immediately after completing your full sentence, but if convicted of certain felony offenses–such as murder, rape, incest, sexual crimes against children, or treason, you are not eligible for re-enfranchisement. However, if convicted of a felony that is not on the list of “moral turpitude”, you do not lose your right to vote. Alabama restoration process

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.

Register to vote in Alabama
Alaska
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: No
  • On probation: No
  • Post sentence: Yes

You can register to vote once you have completed probation and parole.

Payment of fines & fees can be imposed as condition of parole or probation. If you are able to demonstrate an inability to pay, the court may adjust the fine.

Certain felony convictions – Arson, Assault, Bribery, or Burglary make you ineligible to vote while in prison, on parole, or on probation. Your voting rights are automatically restored upon completion of your sentence. If you have any other type of conviction or are awaiting trial, you can register and vote whether in or out of prison. Alaska restoration information

Register to vote in Alaska
Arizona
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: No
  • On probation: No
  • Post sentence: No

All fines and fees must be paid before you can register to vote. Payment of fines & fees can be conditions of parole.

If convicted of only one felony, the right to register and vote is automatically restored upon completion of your sentence, without an obligation to pay fines & fees. If convicted of two or more felonies, the right to vote can only be restored through a judge or if pardoned. Arizona restoration information

Arizona permanently disenfranchises individuals with two or more felony convictions.

Register to vote in Arizona
Arkansas
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: No
  • On probation: No
  • Post sentence: Yes

You must demonstrate full payment of all fines & fees before you can apply to have your voting rights restored. Once rights are restored, you may register to vote.

You are eligible to have your voting rights restored after the completion of your sentence, including prison, parole, and probation. You must provide proof to the county clerk that you:

  • have been discharged from probation or parole
  • paid all probation or parole fees
  • satisfied all terms of imprisonment
  • paid all applicable court costs, fines, or restitution

Arkansas restoration process

Register to vote in Arkansas
California
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: Yes
  • On probation: Yes
  • Post sentence: Yes

You can register to vote once you are released from prison, regardless of outstanding fines & fees.

Voting rights are restored automatically upon release from prison. You can register to vote. California restoration information

In 2020, California voters passed Proposition 17 restoring voting rights to citizens on parole.

Register to vote in California
Colorado
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: Yes
  • On probation: Yes
  • Post sentence: Yes

You can register to vote once you are released from prison, regardless of outstanding fines & fees.

Voting rights are restored automatically upon release from prison. You can register to vote. Colorado restoration information

Register to vote in Colorado
Connecticut
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: Yes
  • On probation: Yes
  • Post sentence: Yes

You can register to vote once you are released from prison, regardless of outstanding fines & fees.

Voting rights are restored automatically upon release from prison. You can register to vote. Connecticut restoration information

In 2021, Connecticut passed SB 1202 restoring voting rights to citizens on parole.

Register to vote in Connecticut
Delaware
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: No
  • On probation: No
  • Post sentence: No

Payment of fines & fees can be conditions of parole, however, payment of fines & fees does not impact decisions made by the Delaware Board of Pardons when they determine your eligibility to vote.

Voting rights are restored once you have completed your sentence, including prison, parole, and probation. This excludes citizens who were convicted of felony murder or manslaughter, bribery, improper influence, or sexual offenses. Delaware restoration process

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.

Register to vote in Delaware
District of Columbia
  • In prison: Yes
  • On parole: Yes
  • On probation: Yes
  • Post sentence: Yes

Your voting rights are not restricted while incarcerated, you can register and vote while in prison.

Voting rights are retained while in prison. You do not lose the right to vote. District of Columbia restoration information

In 2020, Washington, D.C., passed B 825, allowing convicted felons to vote while incarcerated.

Register to vote in District of Columbia
Florida
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: No
  • On probation: No
  • Post sentence: No

Full payment of fines & fees is required before rights can be restored. Once voting rights are restored, you can register to vote.

Voting rights are restored once you have completed your sentence, including 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

Florida restoration process

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.

Register to vote in Florida
Georgia
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: No
  • On probation: No
  • Post sentence: Yes

Payment of fines & fees is a condition of parole.

Voting rights are restored automatically upon completion of your sentence, including prison, parole, and probation. You can register to vote. Georgia restoration information

Register to vote in Georgia
Hawaii
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: Yes
  • On probation: Yes
  • Post sentence: Yes

You can register to vote once you are released from prison, regardless of outstanding fines & fees.

Voting rights are restored automatically upon release from prison. You can register to vote. Hawaii restoration information

Register to vote in Hawaii
Idaho
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: No
  • On probation: No
  • Post sentence: Yes

Payment of fines & fees can be conditions of parole.

Voting rights are restored automatically upon completion of your sentence, including prison, parole, and probation. You can register to vote. Idaho restoration information

Register to vote in Idaho
Illinois
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: Yes
  • On probation: Yes
  • Post sentence: Yes

You can register to vote once you are released from prison, regardless of outstanding fines & fees.

Voting rights are restored automatically upon release from prison. You can register to vote. Illinois restoration information

Register to vote in Illinois
Indiana
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: Yes
  • On probation: Yes
  • Post sentence: Yes

You can register to vote once you are released from prison, regardless of outstanding fines & fees.

Voting rights are restored automatically upon release from prison. You can register to vote. Indiana voter's Bill of Rights

Register to vote in Indiana
Iowa
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: No
  • On probation: No
  • Post sentence: Yes

Voting rights are restored upon completion of your sentence, regardless of outstanding fines & fees.

Voting rights are restored automatically upon completion of your sentence, including prison, parole, and probation. You can register to vote. Please note that this excludes certain categories of homocide and sexual offenses. Iowa restoration information

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.

Register to vote in Iowa
Kansas
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: No
  • On probation: No
  • Post sentence: Yes

Payment of fines & fees can be conditions of parole.

Voting rights are restored automatically upon completion of your sentence, including prison, parole, and probation. You can register to vote. Kansas restoration information

Register to vote in Kansas
Kentucky
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: No
  • On probation: No
  • Post sentence: Yes

Payment of fines & fees is a condition of parole.

Voting rights are restored automatically if you have been convicted of non-violent felonies have satisfied completed your sentence, including prison, parole, and probation. You can register to vote. However, if you were convicted of the felonies listed below, you do not receive automatic restoration voting rights:

  • Treason
  • Bribery in an election
  • A violent offense
  • Any assault
  • Strangulation in the first degree
  • Human trafficking
  • Any felony conviction in another state or in the federal system.

Kentucky restoration process

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.

Register to vote in Kentucky
Louisiana
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: No
  • On probation: No
  • Post sentence: Yes

Payment of fines & fees can be conditions of parole. You are eligible to apply for voting rights restoration while on probation or parole if it has been 5 or more years since you were released from prison. Once your voting rights are restored, you can register to vote.

In order to register to vote, you must provide documentation showing that you are no longer imprisoned. Voting rights can be restored 5 years after the completion of your prison sentence. This excludes citizens convicted of felonies for election fraud or other election offenses. Louisiana restoration process

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.

Register to vote in Louisiana
Maine
  • In prison: Yes
  • On parole: Yes
  • On probation: Yes
  • Post sentence: Yes

Your voting rights are not restricted while incarcerated, you can register and vote while in prison.

Voting rights are retained while in prison. You do not lose the right to vote.

Register to vote in Maine
Maryland
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: Yes
  • On probation: Yes
  • Post sentence: Yes

You can register to vote once you are released from prison, regardless of outstanding fines & fees.

Voting rights are restored automatically upon release from prison. You can register to vote unless you were convicted of buying and selling votes. Maryland restoration information

Register to vote in Maryland
Massachusetts
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: Yes
  • On probation: Yes
  • Post sentence: Yes

You can register to vote once you are released from prison, regardless of outstanding fines & fees.

Voting rights are restored automatically upon release from prison. You can register to vote. Massachusetts Voters' Bill of Rights

Register to vote in Massachusetts
Michigan
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: Yes
  • On probation: Yes
  • Post sentence: Yes

You can register to vote once you are released from prison, regardless of outstanding fines & fees.

Voting rights are restored automatically upon release from prison. You can register to vote. Michigan restoration information

Register to vote in Michigan
Minnesota
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: Yes
  • On probation: Yes
  • Post sentence: Yes

You can register to vote once you are released from prison, regardless of outstanding fines & fees.

As of July 2023, voting rights are restored automatically upon release from prison. You can register to vote. Minnesota restoration information

Effective July 1, 2023, voting rights are only restricted while incarcerated.

Register to vote in Minnesota
Mississippi
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: No
  • On probation: No
  • Post sentence: No

Full payment of fines & fees is required before rights can be restored.

If you have been convicted of one or more specific felony crimes, you are not allowed to vote. To restore your right to vote you must go to your state representative and have them author a bill restoring your right to vote. Both houses of the legislature must then pass that bill. The governor also has the power to restore your right to vote. If you've been convicted of a felony not on the list or are awaiting trial, you may register to vote.

Even if convicted, you remain eligible to vote in federal elections.

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.

Register to vote in Mississippi
Missouri
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: No
  • On probation: No
  • Post sentence: Yes

Full payment of fines and fees is a condition of release from probation or parole.

Voting rights are restored automatically upon completion of your sentence, including prison, parole, and probation. You can register to vote as long as you have not been convicted of an election offense. Missouri restoration information

Register to vote in Missouri
Montana
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: Yes
  • On probation: Yes
  • Post sentence: Yes

You can register to vote once you are released from prison, regardless of outstanding fines & fees.

Voting rights are restored automatically upon release from prison. You can register to vote.

Register to vote in Montana
Nebraska
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: No
  • On probation: No
  • Post sentence: No

Payment of fines & fees is a condition of parole.

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. Nebraska restoration information

In 2005, Nebraska reduced its indefinite ban on voting to a two-year post-supervision waiting period.

Register to vote in Nebraska
Nevada
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: Yes
  • On probation: Yes
  • Post sentence: Yes

You can register to vote once you are released from prison, regardless of outstanding fines & fees.

Voting rights are restored automatically upon release from prison. You can register to vote. Nevada restoration information

Register to vote in Nevada
New Hampshire
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: Yes
  • On probation: Yes
  • Post sentence: Yes

You can register to vote once you are released from prison, regardless of outstanding fines & fees.

Voting rights are restored automatically upon release from prison. You can register to vote. New Hampshire restoration information

Register to vote in New Hampshire
New Jersey
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: Yes
  • On probation: Yes
  • Post sentence: Yes

You can register to vote once you are released from prison, regardless of outstanding fines & fees.

Voting rights are restored automatically upon release from prison. You can register to vote. New Jersey Restoration Handbook

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.

Register to vote in New Jersey
New Mexico
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: No
  • On probation: No
  • Post sentence: Yes

Payment of fines & fees is a condition of parole & probation.

Voting rights are restored automatically upon completion of your sentence, including prison, parole, and probation. You can register to vote. New Mexico restoration information

Register to vote in New Mexico
New York
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: Yes
  • On probation: Yes
  • Post sentence: Yes

You can register to vote once you are released from prison, regardless of outstanding fines & fees.

Voting rights are restored automatically upon release from prison. You can register to vote. New York restoration information

In 2021, New York passed SB 830 restoring voting rights to citizens on parole.

Register to vote in New York
North Carolina
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: Yes
  • On probation: Yes
  • Post sentence: Yes

Payment of fines & fees can be conditions of parole.

Voting rights are restored automatically upon release from prison. You can register to vote. North Carolina restoration information

Register to vote in North Carolina
North Dakota
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: Yes
  • On probation: Yes
  • Post sentence: Yes

You can register to vote once you are released from prison, regardless of outstanding fines & fees.

Voting rights are restored automatically upon release from prison. You can register to vote. North Dakota restoration information

Register to vote in North Dakota
Ohio
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: Yes
  • On probation: Yes
  • Post sentence: Yes

You can register to vote once you are released from prison, regardless of outstanding fines & fees.

Voting rights are restored automatically upon release from prison. You can register to vote unless you have multiple convictions for violating Ohio election laws. Ohio restoration information

Register to vote in Ohio
Oklahoma
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: No
  • On probation: No
  • Post sentence: Yes

Voting rights are restored automatically upon completion your sentence, regardless of outstanding fines and fees.

Voting rights are restored automatically upon completion of your sentence, including prison, parole, and probation. You can register to vote. Oklahoma restoration information

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 voting rights information

Register to vote in Oklahoma
Oregon
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: Yes
  • On probation: Yes
  • Post sentence: Yes

You can register to vote once you are released from prison, regardless of outstanding fines & fees.

Voting rights are restored automatically upon release from prison. You can register to vote. Oregon restoration information

Register to vote in Oregon
Pennsylvania
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: Yes
  • On probation: Yes
  • Post sentence: Yes

You can register to vote once you are released from prison, regardless of outstanding fines & fees.

Voting rights are restored automatically upon release from prison. You can register to vote. Pennsylvania restoration information

Register to vote in Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: Yes
  • On probation: Yes
  • Post sentence: Yes

You can register to vote once you are released from prison, regardless of outstanding fines & fees.

Voting rights are restored automatically upon release from prison. You can register to vote. Rhode Island restoration information

Register to vote in Rhode Island
South Carolina
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: No
  • On probation: No
  • Post sentence: Yes

Payment of fines & fees is a condition of parole.

Voting rights are restored automatically upon completion of your sentence, including prison, parole, and probation. You can register to vote, although some counties may require you to show proof that you have completed your sentence. South Carolina restoration information

Register to vote in South Carolina
South Dakota
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: No
  • On probation: No
  • Post sentence: Yes

Payment of fines & fees is a condition of parole.

Voting rights are restored automatically upon completion of your sentence, including prison, parole, and probation. You can register to vote. South Dakota restoration information

Register to vote in South Dakota
Tennessee
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: No
  • On probation: No
  • Post sentence: No

Full payment of fines & fees is required before rights can be restored.

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.

Tennessee restoration process

Tennessee disenfranchises those convicted of felonies since 1981, in addition to those convicted of select offenses prior to 1973.

Register to vote in Tennessee
Texas
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: No
  • On probation: No
  • Post sentence: Yes

Payment of fines & fees is a condition of parole.

Voting rights are restored automatically upon completion of your sentence, including prison, parole, and probation. You can register to vote. Texas restoration information

Register to vote in Texas
Utah
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: Yes
  • On probation: Yes
  • Post sentence: Yes

You can register to vote once you are released from prison, regardless of outstanding fines & fees.

Voting rights are restored automatically upon release from prison. You can register to vote. Utah restoration information

Register to vote in Utah
Vermont
  • In prison: Yes
  • On parole: Yes
  • On probation: Yes
  • Post sentence: Yes

Your voting rights are not restricted while incarcerated, you can register and vote while in prison.

Voting rights are retained while in prison. You do not lose the right to vote.

Register to vote in Vermont
Virginia
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: No
  • On probation: No
  • Post sentence: No

Payment of fines & fees may be a condition of probation. In most cases, failure to pay cannot be the only reason to extend supervision.

The Constitution of Virginia gives the Governor the sole discretion to restore civil rights. You can apply to have your voting rights restored once you are no longer incarcerated. Virginia restoration process

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.

Register to vote in Virginia
Washington
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: Yes
  • On probation: Yes
  • Post sentence: Yes

You can register to vote once you are released from prison, regardless of outstanding fines & fees, but you must make payments towards fines & fees to maintain your voting rights.

Voting rights are restored automatically upon release from prison. You can register to vote. Washington restoration information

In 2021, Washington passed HB 1078 restoring voting rights to citizens on parole.

Register to vote in Washington
West Virginia
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: No
  • On probation: No
  • Post sentence: Yes

Payment of fines & fees is a condition of probation.

Voting rights are restored automatically upon completion of your sentence, including prison, parole, and probation. You can register to vote. West Virginia restoration information

Register to vote in West Virginia
Wisconsin
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: No
  • On probation: No
  • Post sentence: Yes

Payment of fines & fees is a condition of probation.

Voting rights are restored automatically upon completion of your sentence, including prison, parole, and probation. You can register to vote. Wisconsin restoration information

Register to vote in Wisconsin
Wyoming
  • In prison: No
  • On parole: No
  • On probation: No
  • Post sentence: No

Payment of fines & fees is a condition of probation.

If you have been convicted of a nonviolent felony or are a first-time offender, your voting rights are restored automatically. All other instances require a pardon in order to have your voting rights restored. Wyoming restoration process

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.

Register to vote in Wyoming