It depends entirely on the state where you live now. In Maine, Vermont and DC, a felony conviction never takes away your right to vote. In 23 states you regain it when you leave prison, in 15 more when you finish parole or probation, and in 10 states some convictions mean a longer or permanent loss unless you win a pardon or go through extra steps. The same rules apply to federal elections, because states decide who can register.
About 4 million Americans can’t vote because of a felony conviction, according to the Sentencing Project. Rules change often, so treat the table below as a starting point and confirm your own status with your state or county election office before you register. This isn’t legal advice.
Why do states decide felony voting rights? #
The Constitution lets states set voter qualifications, and Section 2 of the 14th Amendment specifically allows states to deny the vote for “participation in rebellion, or other crime.” There is no separate federal voter roll. If your state says you’re eligible, you can vote for president, Congress and everything else on the ballot. If it says you’re not, you can’t vote in any of those races.
A federal conviction is handled under the rules of the state where you live, the same as a state conviction.
Felony voting rights by state #
This reflects state rules as of 2026. States in the same column can still differ on details like fines, waiting periods and paperwork.
| Category | States |
|---|---|
| Never lose the right to vote, even in prison | Maine, Vermont, District of Columbia (Puerto Rico also lets incarcerated people vote) |
| Restored on release from prison; you can vote on parole or probation | California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Washington |
| Restored after the full sentence, including parole and probation | Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, West Virginia, Wisconsin |
| Longer or permanent loss for some crimes, or extra steps required | Alabama, Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, Virginia, Wyoming |
A few notes on the middle columns:
- Minnesota and New Mexico moved to restoring rights on release in 2023.
- Nebraska dropped its two-year waiting period in 2024. After a dispute over the new law, the Nebraska Supreme Court ordered it enforced in October 2024, so rights now return when the sentence is complete. Treason is the exception.
- Louisiana also lets people on probation or parole vote if they haven’t been incarcerated for that conviction within the past five years.
- In most “full sentence” states you have to register again once you’re eligible. Your old registration was likely canceled.
Which states have the strictest rules? #
The ten states in the last row each handle it differently:
- Alabama: Convictions for crimes on the state’s “moral turpitude” list remove the right to vote. Most people can get a Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote after completing their sentence and paying fines and fees. Some crimes, such as murder and sex offenses, require a pardon.
- Arizona: People with one felony conviction regain the vote automatically after finishing their sentence and paying restitution. People with two or more must apply to a court.
- Delaware: Rights return after the sentence for most crimes, but murder, manslaughter, sex offenses and bribery or public corruption offenses require a pardon.
- Florida: Amendment 4 in 2018 restored rights after the sentence, but a 2019 law defined “sentence” to include all fines, fees and restitution. Murder and felony sex offenses require clemency.
- Iowa: The state constitution bars anyone convicted of a felony. A 2020 executive order restores rights automatically once a sentence is complete, except for certain homicide convictions, which require the governor’s approval.
- Kentucky: The constitution imposes a lifetime ban. A 2019 executive order restored rights to most people with nonviolent felonies who finished their sentences; others must apply to the governor.
- Mississippi: Convictions for crimes listed in the state constitution, including murder, theft, bribery, forgery and arson, bring a lifetime ban. Only a pardon or a two-thirds vote of the legislature restores the right. Federal courts have upheld the ban.
- Tennessee: Most people must apply for restoration after completing their sentence and paying restitution and court costs, and be current on child support. Murder, rape, treason and voter fraud convictions can bar voting for life. The state tightened its process after a 2023 Tennessee Supreme Court decision.
- Virginia: The state constitution permanently bars people with felony convictions unless the governor restores their rights individually. Voters will decide a voting-rights restoration amendment on November 3, 2026. If it passes, the rules will change, so check with the Department of Elections.
- Wyoming: People with nonviolent felony convictions regain the vote after completing their sentence. People with violent felony convictions must seek a pardon.
What about fines, fees and restitution? #
In some states, including Florida, Alabama and Tennessee, you have to pay certain court debts before you can vote. This is where most people get stuck, because records of what’s owed can be scattered across courts.
- Ask the clerk of court in each county where you were sentenced for a written statement of what you owe.
- Separate restitution to victims from court costs and fees; states treat them differently.
- Ask whether unpaid fees can be converted to community service or waived. Some courts allow it.
How do you confirm you’re eligible to vote? #
Registering while ineligible can be a crime in some states, even when it’s an honest mistake, so check first.
- Get your discharge paperwork. A certificate or letter showing your sentence, parole or probation is complete.
- Contact your election office. Your county election office or secretary of state can tell you whether your rights are restored. Many states have a written guide for people with convictions.
- Check for outstanding debts if your state requires payment.
- Register again. Assume your old registration was canceled. You can find your state’s registration page at vote.gov.
- Keep a copy of anything you receive confirming your eligibility.
If you’re eligible and registered in time, make sure you don’t miss the deadlines this fall. Our 2026 midterm calendar lists them. Election Tracker counts down to November 3 and can schedule optional reminders on your phone at 30 days, a week, a day out and on Election Day. It’s free on iPhone and doesn’t need an account.
If you show up and your name isn’t on the list, you can ask for a provisional ballot, which is counted once officials confirm you’re eligible.
Frequently asked questions #
Can felons vote in federal elections? #
Only if their state allows it. States decide voter eligibility for all elections, including federal ones. Someone who can vote in Illinois after release from prison can vote for president, while someone in the same situation in Texas has to finish parole or probation first.
Can you vote on probation or parole? #
In the 23 states that restore rights on release from prison, plus Maine, Vermont and DC, yes. In most other states, no, not until the sentence is fully complete. Louisiana has a partial exception for some people on probation or parole.
Can you vote in jail? #
Usually, if you’re in jail awaiting trial or serving a misdemeanor sentence. A misdemeanor rarely costs you your vote, and people held before trial haven’t been convicted. Voting from jail normally means using an absentee ballot, which can be hard to arrange in practice.
Can a person with a felony conviction run for Congress? #
Yes. The Constitution sets the only qualifications for Congress and the presidency: age, citizenship and residency. A felony conviction doesn’t disqualify a candidate for federal office, though state rules can bar them from state and local offices.
What if I move to a different state? #
Your eligibility follows your new state’s rules. Moving from a restrictive state to one that restores rights on release can make you eligible right away; moving the other way can make you ineligible until you meet the new state’s conditions.