Voting Laws Have Changed— Are You Eligible?
Over the last few decades, reform efforts have worked to reinstate voting rights for justice-involved individuals. From 2016 to 2020, 13 states have expanded voting rights for individuals with felony convictions, but only a quarter made it back to the polls1. These rights vary by state, and with so many different variables, it’s may be difficult to know if you’re eligible. In addition, many individuals are not aware that they are responsible to re-register through the normal voting process.
Voting Rights by State After a Felony Conviction2
| Never Lose Right to Vote | Lost Only While Incarcerated | Automatic Restoration After Release | Lost Until Completion of Sentence (Parole and/or Probation) | Automatic Restoration After | Lost Until Completion of Sentence | In Some States, a Post-Sentencing Waiting Period | Additional Action Required for Restoration |
| Washington D.C. | California | Alaska | Alabama |
| Maine | Colorado | Arkansas | Arizona |
| Vermont | Connecticut | Georgia | Delaware |
| Hawaii | Idaho | Florida | |
| Illinois | Kansas | Iowa | |
| Indiana | Louisiana | Kentucky | |
| Maryland | Minnesota | Mississippi | |
| Massachusetts | Missouri | Nebraska | |
| Michigan | New Mexico | Tennessee | |
| Montana | North Carolina | Virginia | |
| Nevada | Oklahoma | Wyoming | |
| New Hampshire | South Carolina | ||
| New Jersey | South Dakota | ||
| New York | Texas | ||
| North Dakota | West Virginia | ||
| Ohio | Wisconsin | ||
| Oregon | |||
| Pennsylvania | |||
| Rhode Island | |||
| Utah | |||
| Washington |
Know Your Rights as a Returning Citizen
If you lose the right to vote due to a conviction, don’t get discouraged. With the right steps, many people are able to restore the right to vote. It’s important to understand your state’s laws and the steps you may need to take to reinstate your rights. The U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division’s Guide to State Voting Rules That Apply After a Criminal Conviction provides a thorough overview by state.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help and guidance from legal professionals, case managers, therapists, family, and friends. If you need help growing a support network, you can find a mentor to assist you through the process and bridge connections in your community.
1https://www.themarshallproject.org/2021/06/23/millions-of-people-with-felonies-can-now-vote-most-don-t-know-it
2https://www.ncsl.org/research/elections-and-campaigns/felon-voting-rights.aspx
