Felony Disenfranchisement Laws (Map)

A patchwork of state felony disfranchisement laws, varying in severity from state to state, prevent approximately 5.85 million Americans with felony (and in several states misdemeanor) convictions from voting. Confusion about and misapplication of these laws de facto disenfranchise countless other Americans.

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Iowa

Some people with felony convictions cannot vote.

In 2020, Gov. Reynolds signed an executive order restoring voting rights to people who have completed their sentences, except for those convicted of homicide. This follows previous EOs from Gov. Vilsack (restoring at completion of sentence in 2005) and Gov. Branstad (reversing this EO in 2011).

Wyoming

Some people with felony convictions cannot vote.

First-time felony offenders convicted of non-violent offenses may submit a written request for automatic restoration of voting rights upon completion of sentence, including probation and parole. 

All others convicted of felonies cannot vote unless pardoned.

http://www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/felon-voting-rights.aspx
http://ccresourcecenter.org/state-restoration-profiles/wyomingrestoration-of-rights-pardon-expungement-sealing

Washington State

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

In 2021, Governor Inslee signed legislation restoring voting rights to people convicted of felonies automatically after release from prison.

New York

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

In 2021, Gov Cuomo signed law restoring voting rights automatically upon release from prison.

 

Colorado

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

Maine

Everyone has the right to vote.

Everyone has the right to vote.

Nevada

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

Oregon

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

Montana

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

North Dakota

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

Utah

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

Hawaii

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

Michigan

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

Illinois

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

Indiana

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

Ohio

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

Pennsylvania

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

Maryland

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

New Hampshire

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

Massachusetts

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

Rhode Island

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

Arizona

Some people with felony convictions cannot vote.

First-time felony offenders (other than firearms-related offenses) have voting rights restored automatically upon completion of sentence, including probation, or an unconditional discharge, and payment of restitutions.

Persons previously convicted of another felony, or who have not paid restitution, cannot vote unless their civil rights are restored by the judge who discharges them at the end of the term of probation, or unless they submit a successful petition to a court to restore their rights.

http://www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/felon-voting-rights.aspx
http://ccresourcecenter.org/state-restoration-profiles/arizona-restoration-of-rights-pardon-expungement-sealing/#I_Loss_restoration_of_civilfirearms_rights

Tennessee

Some people with felony convictions cannot vote.

Those convicted of murder, rape, treason, or voter fraud are permanently disenfranchised, absent a pardon.

For those convicted of other felonies, a “certificate of restoration” may be obtained from prison authorities or from the Board of Probation and Parole.  Applicants must have paid all court-ordered fines, fees and restitution and, if applicable, must be current in child support payments.  

http://www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/felon-voting-rights.aspx
http://ccresourcecenter.org/state-restoration-profiles/tennessee-restoration-of-rights-pardon-expungement-sealing/

Mississippi

Some people with felony convictions cannot vote.

On August 4, 2023, a panel of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals held that Mississippi's constitutional provision providing permanent disenfranchisement for persons convicted of certain felonies — murder, rape, bribery, theft, arson, obtaining money or goods under false pretense, perjury, forgery, embezzlement or bigamy — was unconstitutional, in violation of the Eighth Amendment's prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment. Hopkins v. Sec'y of State Delbert Hosemann, No. 19-60662, 2023 WL 4990543 (5th Cir. Aug. 4, 2023). As of this writing, the constitutional provision is invalidated; however, the State has indicated that it intends to appeal the decision. The situation in Mississippi is thus somewhat fluid, pending further developments in the litigation.

Alabama

Some people with felony convictions cannot vote.

All who have committed one of 46 crimes of “moral turpitude” lose their right to vote. Most in these categories can apply for a Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote (CERV) through an expedited process, but some will require a full pardon.

https://www.aclualabama.org/en/voting-rights-restoration.

Florida

Some people with felony convictions cannot vote.

Those convicted of murder or a felony sexual offense cannot vote and must still apply to the governor for restoration.

Those convicted of other offenses have their voting rights automatically restored upon completion of their sentences (including parole and probation). In 2019, Gov. DeSantis signed a law defining “completion of sentence” to include payment of certain restitution, fines, fees, and costs.

Kentucky

People with felony convictions can vote upon completion of sentence.

In 2019, Gov. A. Beshear issued an EO restoring voting rights to those who had completed sentences for nonviolent offenses. This follows a similar 2015 EO by Gov S. Beshear, which had been rescinded by Gov. Bevin later that year.

Virginia

Some people with felony convictions cannot vote.

In 2020, an Executive Order automatically restored voting rights for many people upon release from prison and provided an application process for restoration as long as not incarcerated for a felony conviction. Reversed in March 2023 by Gov. Youngkin.

California

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

In 2020, CA prop 17 was approved and restored voting rights to people on parole.

Connecticut

Some people with felony convictions cannot vote.

In 2021, Gov. Ned Lamont signed legislation restoring voting rights to people on parole. Connecticut does disenfranchise parolees and felony probationers convicted of election-related offenses.

Vermont

Everyone has the right to vote.

Everyone has the right to vote.

South Dakota

People with felony convictions can vote upon completion of sentence.

People with felony convictions can vote upon completion of sentence.

Idaho

People with felony convictions can vote upon completion of sentence.

People with felony convictions can vote upon completion of sentence.

Nebraska

People with felony convictions can vote upon completion of sentence.

People with felony convictions can vote upon completion of sentence.

Kansas

People with felony convictions can vote upon completion of sentence.

People with felony convictions can vote upon completion of sentence.

New Mexico

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

In 2023, Gov. Lujan Grisham signed legislation restoring voting rights automatically upon release from incarceration beginning on July 1, 2023.

Texas

People with felony convictions can vote upon completion of sentence.

People with felony convictions can vote upon completion of sentence.

Oklahoma

People with felony convictions can vote upon completion of sentence.

People with felony convictions can vote upon completion of sentence.

Minnesota

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

In 2023, Gov. Walz signed legislation restoring voting rights automatically upon release from incarceration beginning on July 1, 2023.

Missouri

People with felony convictions can vote upon completion of sentence.

People with felony convictions can vote upon completion of sentence.

Arkansas

People with felony convictions can vote upon completion of sentence.

People with felony convictions can vote upon completion of sentence.

Louisiana

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

In 2019, House Bill 265 went into effect, restoring voting rights for residents serving probation or parole sentences who have not been incarcerated within the past five years. Some sources count Louisiana among the states that have fully reenfranchised people on probation

Alaska

People with felony convictions can vote upon completion of sentence.

People with felony convictions can vote upon completion of sentence.

Georgia

People with felony convictions can vote upon completion of sentence.

People with felony convictions can vote upon completion of sentence.

South Carolina

People with felony convictions can vote upon completion of sentence.

People with felony convictions can vote upon completion of sentence.

North Carolina

People with felony convictions can vote upon completion of sentence.

People with felony convictions can vote upon completion of sentence.

West Virginia

People with felony convictions can vote upon completion of sentence.

People with felony convictions can vote upon completion of sentence.

Wisconsin

People with felony convictions can vote upon completion of sentence.

People with felony convictions can vote upon completion of sentence.

New Jersey

People in prison cannot vote. Everyone else can vote.

People with felony convictions can vote upon completion of sentence.

Delaware

Some people with felony convictions cannot vote.

Most people with felony convictions can vote upon completion of sentence. Delaware has permanent disenfranchisement for the following felony offenses: (1) murder or manslaughter (not including vehicular homicide); (2) a felony constituting an offense against public administration involving bribery or improper influence or abuse of office; or (3) a sexual offense.

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