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).
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.
Map Data:
Show map dataIowa
Some people with felony convictions cannot vote.
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.