{"id":478,"date":"2020-10-28T11:44:55","date_gmt":"2020-10-28T11:44:55","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/felonyfriendlyjobs.org\/?p=478"},"modified":"2024-02-28T13:47:59","modified_gmt":"2024-02-28T13:47:59","slug":"can-a-felon-vote","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/felonyfriendlyjobs.org\/can-a-felon-vote\/","title":{"rendered":"Can A Felon Vote? – Felon voting rights by state"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

After serving their sentence, felons discover multiple limitations imposed on them. Each offense implies its own limitations, but a common restriction among all felonies is felony disenfranchisement, that is, the suspension of voting rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disenfranchisement is widely used across the United States, though how exactly it is used vastly varies from state to state. And as a felon who has recently finished their sentence, you may be wondering: can a felon vote<\/strong>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There isn\u2019t a single answer to this question since policies vary from state to state, as we already mentioned. So we\u2019ll try to provide you with information on felon voting right policies for each state.<\/p>\n\n\n

What is felony disenfranchisement?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
\n
\"felon<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Felony disenfranchisement is the restriction of an individual\u2019s voting rights due to a conviction in a felony<\/a>. Felonies are offenses that are punished by incarceration of more than 1 year or\/and a fine over $1000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Felony disenfranchisement is one of the collateral consequences of a conviction. Disenfranchisement is common for felons across the United States. And since the United States is among the most punitive countries in the world when it comes to felonies, its limitations are more restrictive than in many other countries around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In fact, to give you some perspective, here are figures of felony disenfranchisement as of 2016<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

* As of 2016, there were 6,1 million Americans disenfranchised due to a felony conviction. This number has risen dramatically over the years. There were around 1,17 million disenfranchised individuals in 1976, 3,34 million in 1996, and 5,85 million in 2010.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

* 1 in 40 adults, or the US voting age population\u2019s 2.5% is disenfranchised due to a current or past felony conviction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

* In the 12 states(as of 2016)that disenfranchise people after the sentence, disenfranchised individuals account for over 50% of the US\u2019s entire disenfranchised population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

* Disenfranchisement rates vary vastly across states due to variations in legislation. For example, Florida accounts for 27%of the whole disenfranchised population of the US.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

* 1 in 13 African Americans of voting age is disenfranchised. Over 7,4% of the adult African American population of the US is disenfranchised. For the non-African American population, the share is just 1,8%. In four states \u2013 Kentucky (26%), Virginia (22%), Florida (21%), and Tennessee (21%) \u2013more than 1 in 5 African Americans are disenfranchised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time,certain states have repealed or amended disenfranchisement laws in recent years, allowing 840 thousand American citizens to regain their voting rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opinions on felony disenfranchisement vary significantly among experts and the general public. Both proponents and opponents have valid points on the issue, which we will examine a little bit later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With all that being said, felons may restore their voting rights, but the restoration process varies widely across states. Some states only restore voting rights based on individual petitions, while others don\u2019t restrict voting rights at all, even in prison. Now, let\u2019s find out how voting rights restoration policies vary from state to state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read Also: Felon Friendly States<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

In which states can a felon vote?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
\n
\"felon<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n
Voting rights never lost<\/strong><\/td>Voting rights restored automatically upon release from prison<\/strong><\/td>Voting rights restored automatically upon being released from prison and discharged from parole<\/strong><\/td>Voting rights restored automatically upon the completion of the sentence, parole, and probation<\/strong><\/td>Voting rights restoration dependent on the type of conviction or the outcome of an individual petition<\/strong><\/td>Voting rights only restored through an individual petition<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Maine<\/td>District of Columbia<\/td>California*<\/td>Alaska<\/td>Alabama<\/td>Iowa<\/td><\/tr>
Vermont<\/td>Hawaii<\/td>Colorado<\/td>Arizona<\/td>Delaware<\/td>Kentucky<\/td><\/tr>
<\/td>Illinois<\/td>Connecticut<\/td>Arkansas<\/td>Mississippi<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Indiana<\/td>New York<\/td>Florida<\/td>Nevada<\/td><\/tr>
Maryland<\/td><\/td>Georgia<\/td>Tennessee<\/td><\/tr>
Massachusetts<\/td>Idaho<\/td>Wyoming<\/td><\/tr>
Michigan<\/td>Kansas<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Montana<\/td>Louisiana<\/td><\/tr>
New Hampshire<\/td>Minnesota<\/td><\/tr>
North Dakota<\/td>Missouri<\/td><\/tr>
Ohio<\/td>Nebraska<\/td><\/tr>
Oregon<\/td>New Jersey<\/td><\/tr>
Pennsylvania<\/td>New Mexico<\/td><\/tr>
Rhode Island<\/td>North Carolina<\/td><\/tr>
Utah<\/td>Oklahoma<\/td><\/tr>
<\/td>South Carolina<\/td><\/tr>
South Dakota<\/td><\/tr>
Texas<\/td><\/tr>
Washington<\/td><\/tr>
West Virginia<\/td><\/tr>
Wisconsin<\/td><\/tr>
Virginia<\/td><\/tr>
*Voting allowed from county jails<\/em><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n

Felon Voting Rights by State<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
\n
\"can<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

There are certain specifics in each state. Those are described below.<\/p>\n\n\n

Alabama<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

In the state of Alabama<\/a>, some felons have the right to apply for the restoration of their voting right immediately upon completion of their full sentence. Certain felony charges<\/a> such as murder, manslaughter, and rape make a person ineligible for re-enfranchisement.<\/p>\n\n\n

Alaska<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

Felons who are no longer serving a sentence and have been unconditionally discharged from supervision by the Department of Corrections may vote in Alaska<\/a>. The Alaska Division of Elections requires proof of unconditional discharge from the supervising entity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those convicted in crimes involving moral turpitude, as well as individuals on probation or parole<\/a> for the same crime are ineligible to vote in Alaska.<\/p>\n\n\n

Arizona<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

In Arizona<\/a>, first-time, single-felony offenders receive automatic vote right restoration upon the completion of the sentence and payment of all fines. Two-time or more offenders would need to apply for the restoration of their voting rights with their county.<\/p>\n\n\n

Arkansas<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

Those convicted of a felony are ineligible to vote while in prison, parole, or probation. Upon the completion of the supervised release, voting rights are restored automatically.<\/p>\n\n\n

California<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

With the passing of the California Assembly Bill No. 2466<\/a>, felons serving time in county jails received the right to vote from jail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more: Felons Voting Right in California<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

Colorado<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

In Colorado, felons may vote while on probation, but not from prison and on parole. Voting rights are restored automatically upon the completion of parole.<\/p>\n\n\n

Connecticut<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

In the state of Connecticut, felons are eligible to have their voting rights restored upon paying all fines and being released from imprisonment, as well as the completion of parole.<\/p>\n\n\n

Delaware<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

The April 16, 2013, Hazel D. Plant Voter Restoration Act<\/a> amended the Delaware Constitution, removing the 5-year pending period for regaining voting rights. Now, the voting rights of those convicted of a felony are automatically restored after serving the full sentence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Article V Section 2 of Delaware Constitution<\/a>, certain felonies such as murder, manslaughter, sexual offense, etc. remain permanently disenfranchised.<\/p>\n\n\n

District of Columbia<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

In the District of Columbia, voting rights are restored automatically upon release from prison, even if the individual is on parole or probation.<\/p>\n\n\n

Florida<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

The November 8, 2018, Amendment 4<\/a> allowed individuals with prior felony convictions (except for sex offenses and murder)to gain their voting rights automatically after completing the terms of their incarceration, including parole and probation. Read more on Florida Felon Voting Rights<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n

Georgia<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

In Georgia<\/a>, it is required that felons fully complete their sentence, including parole, probation, as well as pay legal financial obligations in order to have the right to vote.<\/p>\n\n\n

Hawaii<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

In the state of Hawaii<\/a>, felons may vote while on probation or parole but not from jail.<\/p>\n\n\n

Idaho<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

In Idaho, the voting rights of felons are restored upon final discharge, which includes satisfactory completion of the imprisonment, probation<\/a>, and parole. However, there are felonies<\/a> to which voting rights restoration is not applied, including rape, kidnapping, robbery, burglary, trafficking, and many others.<\/p>\n\n\n

Illinois<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

Felons lose their right to vote until being released from imprisonment. That is, felons are allowed to vote while on parole or probation.<\/p>\n\n\n

Indiana<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

In the state of Indiana<\/a>, felons have the same voting rights as in Illinois, that is, they may vote upon release from imprisonment and while on parole or probation.<\/p>\n\n\n

Iowa<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

On January 14, 2011, Terry Branstad, the Republican Governor of Iowa, issued Executive Order 70<\/a>, rescinding Executive Order 42<\/a> signed in 2005 by Democratic Governor Tom Vilsack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Executive Order 42 allowed automatic voting restoration after sentence completion. Now, with the order 70, in order to have the right to vote, felons must complete their sentence, including parole and probation, as well as pay all outstanding monetary obligations to the court.<\/p>\n\n\n

Kansas<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

In Kansas<\/a>, the right to vote is automatically restored upon release from prison at the expiration of the sentence. Alternatively, the voting rights are restored upon final discharge from parole or probation.<\/p>\n\n\n

Kentucky<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

On December 22, 2015, the newly-elected Kentucky Governor Matthew G. Bevin issued Executive Order 2015-052<\/a>, rescinding Executive Order 2015-871<\/a> signed on November 24, 2015, by the previous Governor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The rescinded order implied the automatic restoration of voting rights for non-violent felons who have completed their sentence, probation, parole, and have no outstanding monetary obligations to the court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the new executive order, those convicted of a felony must apply to the Governor individually for the restoration of their voting rights.<\/p>\n\n\n

Louisiana<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

On May 31, 2018, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards signed the House Bill 265<\/a>, which went into effect on March 1, 2019.In accordance with this bill, all individuals who have been convicted of a felony in Louisiana and who have not been incarcerated during the previous 5 years will be allowed to vote. This applies even when serving a term of probation or parole.<\/p>\n\n\n

Maine<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

Maine is one of the two US states where voting rights of felons are never taken away. Felons in Maine may vote<\/a> even while imprisoned. (See how to register to vote in Maine<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n

Maryland<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

On February 9, 2016, the Maryland General Assembly overrode the Maryland Governor\u2019s veto of the Senate Bill 340<\/a>, restoring the voting right to all felons immediately upon release from prison without having to complete parole or probation.<\/p>\n\n\n

Massachusetts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

In accordance with General Laws Part I Title VIII Chapter 51 Section 1<\/a>, felons are not eligible to vote while incarcerated in a correctional facility. In other words, felons in Massachusetts may vote upon release from prison, even while on parole or probation.<\/p>\n\n\n

Michigan<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

Like in Massachusetts and some other US states, as listed above, felons have their voting rights restored after being released<\/a> from imprisonment. Read More on Michigan Voting Rights<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

Minnesota<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

In Minnesota<\/a>, unless you are currently imprisoned or serving probation, parole, or supervised release, you are eligible to vote.<\/p>\n\n\n

Mississippi<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

Felony convicts are disfranchised only in the specific cases listed in Article XII Section 241 of the Mississippi Constitution<\/a>, including murder, rape, theft, bribery, armed robbery, and others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After the completion of the sentence, an individual convicted of such a felony may address the state representative and convince them to author a bill that restores the right to vote for that individual. In accordance with Section 253 of Article XII of the Mississippi Constitution<\/a>, a two-thirds vote of both houses is required to restore the voting right to a felon.<\/p>\n\n\n

Missouri<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

In the state of Missouri<\/a>, felons are eligible to vote upon completion of the sentence and probation or parole. However, felons convicted of an election offense are not eligible to vote, whether the offense is a felony or misdemeanor.<\/p>\n\n\n

Montana<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

In Montana<\/a>, a person convicted of a felony is ineligible to vote while imprisoned or while on parole or probation.<\/p>\n\n\n

Nebraska<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

In Nebraska<\/a>, the voting right is restored automatically two years after the completion of all the terms of the sentence. Those convicted of treason under the laws of Nebraska or the United States must apply for a restoration of their civil rights individually.<\/p>\n\n\n

Nevada<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

According to the Nebraska Code NRS 213.090<\/a>, individuals convicted of a non-violent felony have their voting rights restored automatically upon completion of the sentence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, in accordance with the Nebraska Code NRS 213.155<\/a>, civil rights \u2013 including voting rights \u2013 are not restored in certain cases, such as a Class A felony, two or more times of a felony, felonies involving violence, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n

New Hampshire<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

In New Hampshire<\/a>, felons are allowed to vote upon release from imprisonment, even while on parole or probation.<\/p>\n\n\n

New Jersey<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

In the state of New Jersey<\/a>, felons are eligible to vote upon the completion of their sentence, parole, and\/or probation.<\/p>\n\n\n

New Mexico<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

Once again, the voting rights of felons are restored automatically upon release from prison and the completion of parole or probation.<\/p>\n\n\n

New York<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

The Executive Order 181<\/a> issued on April 18, 2018, allows the restoration of voting rights to parolees upon review of the records of the Governor\u2019s Office. Previously, voting rights were restored after the completion of parole.<\/p>\n\n\n

North Carolina<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

In North Carolina<\/a>, all voting rights are automatically restored after completing all the terms of the sentence, including parole, probation, and restitution.<\/p>\n\n\n

North Dakota<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

In North Dakota<\/a>, felons are barred from voting only during actual imprisonment, meaning that they may vote on parole or probation.<\/p>\n\n\n

Ohio<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

In Ohio<\/a>, felons again have the right to vote as long as they are not incarcerated. Thus, they may vote while on parole, probation, or other supervised release.<\/p>\n\n\n

Oklahoma<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

In the state of Oklahoma<\/a>, convicted felons who have been pardoned may register for voting. However, after serving the full sentence, felons are not eligible to vote for a period equal to the length of the sentence.<\/p>\n\n\n

Oregon<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

Felons are eligible to vote upon the completion of their sentence, including parole or probation.<\/p>\n\n\n

Pennsylvania<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

In Pennsylvania<\/a>, felons may vote upon release from prison and while on parole or probation.<\/p>\n\n\n

Rhode Island<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

In the state of Rhode Island<\/a>, felons are eligible to vote upon release from prison, even if on parole or probation.<\/p>\n\n\n

South Carolina<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

In South Carolina<\/a>, those who have served their entire sentence, including probation or parole, are eligible to vote. Felons who have been pardoned may also vote. However, those convicted of a felony or offense against election laws are not eligible to vote.<\/p>\n\n\n

South Dakota<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

The South Dakota HB 1247<\/a> enacted on March 19, 2012, took away the voting right for felons serving terms or probation. Prior to the enacting of this bill, only those incarcerated or on parole were barred from voting. And now, convicted felons must serve their full sentence, parole, and probation before having the right to register to vote.<\/p>\n\n\n

Tennessee<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
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\"felon<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

In the state of Tennessee, voting rights for felons<\/strong> are as follows<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n