NATIONWIDE VOTING GUIDE · 50 STATES + WASHINGTON, DC
All 51 state/DC voting guides
Voting rights after a conviction.
Choose a state for its rules, official sources and questions to ask.
General education, not legal advice or an eligibility decision. RecordAware does not review your records or certify that you may vote.
Free. No account. No eligibility certification.
This guide covers voting and voting-rights restoration only. Jury service, firearms, public office and other rights are outside its scope.
Choose your state
Choose where you plan to establish voting residence.
This selects reading material, not an eligibility result. No personal circumstances are collected.
All 51 entries are available below.
Before using this guide: legal limits and privacy
A criminal record does not answer every voting question. Custody, the court outcome, supervision, offense type and restoration orders can matter differently in each state.
Use the state where you intend to establish voting residence. If you moved, have federal or out-of-state convictions, or have multiple cases, ask that state’s election office how each case is treated. Do not assume restoration transfers automatically.
General education, not legal advice. RecordAware does not grant or restore rights, approve registration or certify that you may vote. No name, case details, record upload or payment is requested. Your state selection stays in page memory; this guide does not submit, save or track it. The hosting service may retain ordinary access logs. External official sites have their own privacy practices.
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Editorial review: . Each entry shows its source-review status. A review date is not confirmation of your eligibility or a promise of continuous updates.
Using this with a participant or client
Use the state explanation and questions to prepare a conversation with officials. Ask which documents the relevant office needs and let the individual share them directly through that office’s appropriate channel. Do not upload or email records to RecordAware. Reviewing this checklist does not establish eligibility. The printed handout keeps the state’s source status and warnings.
AL · VOTING RIGHTS & RESTORATION
Alabama
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
Alabama does not treat every felony alike. The Bureau distinguishes listed disqualifying convictions, a Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote (CERV), and a pardon. Its checklist considers pending felony charges, completion of the sentence including probation or parole, and sentencing-related financial obligations. A CERV and a pardon are different routes.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Does the exact conviction appear on the Bureau’s current disqualifying-offense list?
Does the Bureau identify a CERV route, a pardon route, or no voting-rights loss for that offense?
Are any felony charges pending, and have the sentence, probation or parole and applicable financial terms been completed?
What proof does the Bureau need, and what must the county registrar receive before registration?
Who to contact: Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles for CERV or pardon questions; county Board of Registrars for registration.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Research incomplete — confirm the unresolved points below
Last source review attempt: · Review incomplete
General educational starting point
Alaska’s statute ties the voting restriction to a felony involving moral turpitude under state or federal law. It runs through unconditional discharge, rather than simply release from prison. The election office’s restoration instructions could not be fully retrieved; the statute was reviewed as a second official source.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Does the conviction fall within the statutory moral-turpitude category?
Has the supervising authority confirmed unconditional discharge, including any remaining supervision?
What discharge evidence must the Division of Elections receive?
After that verification, is a new registration required and what deadline applies?
Who to contact: Alaska Division of Elections for registration; the supervising authority for unconditional discharge.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Research incomplete — confirm the unresolved points below
Last source review attempt: · Review incomplete
General educational starting point
Arizona distinguishes a first felony from multiple felonies and Arizona convictions from federal or other-state cases. Its official guide describes first-conviction restoration after sentence completion and victim restitution. A first federal or other-state conviction still requires a court application in the county of residence. Multiple-conviction restoration requires court action. The correct court and all convictions must be checked; this guide does not decide whether a route applies.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Is this a first or multiple felony case, and which jurisdictions entered the convictions?
Have probation, parole or absolute discharge and the applicable restitution conditions been completed?
Does the guide identify automatic restoration for an Arizona conviction or an application for a federal or other-state conviction?
Which Superior Court and current form apply, and what discharge information might that court request?
Who to contact: County recorder for registration; the appropriate county Superior Court for restoration procedures.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Research incomplete — confirm the unresolved points below
Last source review attempt: · Review incomplete
General educational starting point
Arkansas’s registration page excludes a felony conviction whose sentence has not been discharged or pardoned. That general page does not explain every restoration requirement. The county clerk must confirm the applicable discharge and proof requirements; leaving custody alone should not be treated as completion.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Has the entire sentence been discharged, or is there a pardon?
What remaining probation or parole terms must be resolved for discharge?
What does the county clerk require under Amendment 51 about court costs, fines and restitution?
Which discharge or pardon documentation must be provided to the voter registrar?
Who to contact: County clerk as voter registrar; court or supervising authority for discharge records.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
California’s restriction concerns a current state or federal felony prison term. The Secretary lists parole, probation, mandatory supervision, post-release community supervision and federal supervised release separately from that prison term. Some people in a local jail can register, while others are serving or awaiting transfer for a prison term. The legal basis for custody matters more than the facility name.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Is the confinement a state or federal felony prison term, a local jail sentence, or pretrial detention?
Is any local detention actually service of, or awaiting transfer for, a prison term?
Has the prison term ended, and is the current status parole, probation or another listed supervision category?
What registration or re-registration steps should the county elections office confirm?
Who to contact: County elections office; corrections or supervising agency to identify the legal custody category.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
California Secretary of StatePersons with a prior felony conviction; current felony prison terms; Penal Code 2910 footnote.
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
Colorado’s July 2026 booklet distinguishes incarceration for a felony sentence from parole, probation, misdemeanor custody and pretrial detention. The latter categories are not treated as the felony-incarceration restriction. Sheriffs and county clerks have responsibilities for voting arrangements for otherwise-qualified people in jail.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Is the current incarceration for a felony sentence or for another reason?
Is the current status parole, probation, pretrial detention or misdemeanor custody?
If in jail, what ballot arrangements can the sheriff and county clerk provide?
What registration or address update is needed with the county clerk?
Who to contact: County clerk and recorder for registration; county sheriff for jail voting arrangements.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
Connecticut’s official brochure describes restoration after release from felony incarceration. It treats probation and parole differently from incarceration, but makes a separate exception for felony violations of Connecticut election laws: those terms of probation and parole must also be completed. The brochure is dated 2023; ask the town registrar for current instructions.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Is there current incarceration for a felony conviction or only pretrial detention?
Does the conviction involve Connecticut election laws?
If that exception applies, have its probation and parole terms ended?
What registration steps and release information should the town registrar confirm?
Who to contact: Town registrar of voters; corrections or supervising authority for custody and release facts.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
Delaware’s general route requires full discharge of the sentence. The Department lists disqualifying categories involving specified homicide, public-administration corruption, and sexual offenses. It expressly says fees, fines, costs and restitution are not considered when determining sentence discharge for voting registration. An excluded offense must not be treated as covered by the general route.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Has the sentence, including applicable supervision, been fully discharged?
Does the offense match one of the Department’s disqualifying categories?
If it is an excluded category, what additional relief must the Department confirm?
Which sentence-discharge or relief documents will the Department review, separately from outstanding financial balances?
Who to contact: Delaware Department of Elections for offense-category and registration questions.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
The DC Board of Elections says a conviction does not itself prevent otherwise-qualified DC residents from voting during incarceration, court supervision or residence in a halfway house. Residence, registration and ballot delivery still need attention. The Board gives separate address instructions for DC Jail residents and people in federal facilities.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Which DC residence address does the Board say should be used for this facility or living arrangement?
Is the registration and mailing address current?
How can a ballot be requested and received at the facility or halfway house?
If release or a move occurs before the ballot arrives, what voting arrangement does the Board advise?
Who to contact: DC Board of Elections for residence, registration and ballot delivery.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
Florida distinguishes murder and felony sexual offenses, which require State Clemency Board restoration, from other Florida felonies covered by the sentence-completion route. Completion includes incarceration, supervision and sentencing-related fines, fees, costs and restitution. The Division describes different treatment for out-of-state convictions, misdemeanors and cases without an adjudication of guilt. It offers an advisory-opinion process when status is unclear.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Which restoration route applies to the exact offense and conviction jurisdiction?
Have all required sentence and supervision terms ended?
What do the judgments, sentences and court payment records show about sentencing-related financial obligations?
Should the county supervisor or Division review clemency records or an advisory-opinion request before registration?
Who to contact: County supervisor of elections and Florida Division of Elections; clerk of the convicting court for judgments and balances.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Florida Division of ElectionsFelon Voting Rights; standards, financial records and advisory opinions; page dated July 10, 2024.
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
Georgia’s current election FAQ lists serving a felony sentence as a registration restriction. The actual court disposition and whether the sentence has ended must be confirmed; a pending charge and a felony conviction should not be treated as interchangeable. This summary does not decide whether any remaining obligation is part of a sentence.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
What is the actual court disposition: a felony conviction, pending charge or another outcome?
Is any felony sentence, including supervision, still being served?
Has the responsible authority confirmed discharge, including how remaining obligations are treated?
What registration information does the county registrar need after that confirmation?
Who to contact: County registrar for registration; court or supervising authority for disposition and discharge.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
Hawaii’s official explainer distinguishes a felony imprisonment sentence from probation or parole. It says registration and voting may occur during probation or parole, subject to ordinary voter qualifications. The explainer still shows a March 2021 update date; current custody and ballot arrangements should be confirmed with the County Elections Division.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Is the person serving felony imprisonment, on probation or on parole?
What does the sentencing or supervising authority say the current status is?
What registration or address update does the County Elections Division require?
If detained, what ballot-delivery arrangements are available?
Who to contact: County Elections Division; supervising authority for sentence status.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Research incomplete — confirm the unresolved points below
Last source review attempt: · Review incomplete
General educational starting point
VoteIdaho’s registration page says a person with a felony conviction must complete the terms of the sentence before registering. It does not fully explain offense-specific exceptions. Do not replace documented sentence completion with an assumption based on release from a facility.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Have all terms of the felony sentence been completed?
Does that include any remaining probation or parole in the case?
Which authority can document final discharge?
Does the county clerk identify an offense-specific exception or additional registration requirement?
Who to contact: County clerk for registration; court or supervising authority for sentence completion.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Research incomplete — confirm the unresolved points below
Last source review attempt: · Review incomplete
General educational starting point
Illinois’s official corrections brochure distinguishes serving a conviction sentence in prison or jail from pretrial detention and community supervision. It lists probation, parole, mandatory supervised release and some electronic monitoring separately, while identifying work release, furlough and Adult Transition Centers as situations needing care. Current election-office instructions should be checked because the brochure is older.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Is any current jail or prison confinement service of a conviction sentence or pretrial detention?
Is the arrangement community supervision, work release, furlough or an Adult Transition Center?
Does the local election authority require re-registration or an address update?
Which registration identification and ballot method apply to the current living arrangement?
Who to contact: Local election authority or Illinois State Board of Elections; corrections for the custody classification.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Research incomplete — confirm the unresolved points below
Last source review attempt: · Review incomplete
General educational starting point
Indiana’s 2026 manual distinguishes imprisonment after conviction from release, probation, parole and home detention. Pretrial detention is different from imprisonment under a conviction sentence. The reviewed imprisonment section is printed page 99, PDF page 113. This is a review of that section, not a complete legal review.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Is current confinement imprisonment after conviction or pretrial detention?
Is the current status release, probation, parole or home detention?
What does the county election board need to confirm the custody category?
Is a new registration or address update required after release?
Who to contact: County election board or county voter registration office; corrections for the basis of confinement.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
Iowa’s Governor describes restoration for covered felony convictions after discharge of the sentence, including confinement, parole, probation, other supervised release and any chapter 903B special sentence. Executive Order 7 covers many Iowa, federal and out-of-state convictions, but excludes chapter 707 homicide-related convictions. The excluded route requires a separate application. Deferred judgments and misdemeanor convictions are treated separately.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Is the disposition a felony conviction, a misdemeanor or a deferred judgment?
Have all felony sentences and any chapter 903B special sentence been discharged?
Is any conviction within chapter 707 and therefore outside the executive-order route?
Does the Governor’s Office identify automatic restoration, a daily certificate or a separate application for the relevant discharge date?
Who to contact: Iowa Governor’s Office for restoration; county auditor for registration.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
Kansas describes restoration after completion of a state or federal felony sentence, including probation, parole and other supervised release. Registration is a separate step. Its guidance says unpaid criminal financial obligations may matter and advises checking with the court; debts moved to civil collections and an official discharge should not simply be treated as an ongoing sentence.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Have all incarceration and supervision terms been completed?
Do the court’s records confirm restoration and final discharge?
Do any remaining fines, costs or restitution affect discharge, or have they become civil collections?
If registration is rejected, what discharge documents and rejection notice should the county election officer review?
Who to contact: County election officer; sentencing court or supervising authority for discharge and financial terms.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Kansas Secretary of StateRegistering to Vote After Completing a Felony Sentence; proof, rejection and unpaid-obligation questions.
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
Kentucky’s 2019 executive-order route covers qualifying Kentucky state felonies after sentence completion, including probation and parole. The official qualification page excludes specified violent and other offenses, federal and out-of-state convictions, and people with pending felony charges or arrests. A petition may be required outside the order. A status lookup alone should not substitute for resolving a disputed record.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Is every conviction a Kentucky state conviction, or are there federal or out-of-state convictions?
Does any conviction match an exclusion in the official qualification guidance?
Are all sentence terms complete, and are any felony charges or arrests pending?
Does the restoration office confirm the executive order applies, or is a petition and supporting documentation required?
Who to contact: Kentucky civil-rights restoration office / Department of Corrections; county clerk for registration.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
Louisiana’s reinstatement instructions distinguish completed probation or parole from an ongoing order of imprisonment with no incarceration under that order in the last five years. The five-year route has an election-offense exception. Reinstatement requires correctional documentation and ordinarily an in-person visit; the source describes an accommodation for a person with a disability who cannot appear.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Is the person still under an order of imprisonment, or have probation and parole ended?
If the order continues, has there been incarceration under it within the last five years?
Does the felony involve election fraud or another listed election offense?
Which correctional document must the parish registrar receive, and does the disability accommodation apply?
Who to contact: Parish registrar of voters; appropriate correctional official for reinstatement documentation.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Louisiana Secretary of StateVoting on Election Day FAQ; restoration and reinstatement instructions under R.S. 18:177.
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
Maine’s official residence guidance allows incarcerated people to register in the municipality where they established voting residence before incarceration. Being placed in a correctional facility does not itself create a new voting residence. The practical task is confirming the correct residence and obtaining the appropriate registration and absentee-ballot instructions.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Which Maine municipality was the established voting residence before incarceration?
What residence information or documentation can the municipal registrar accept?
Is the registration or mailing address current?
How should an absentee ballot be requested and returned from the current facility?
Who to contact: Municipal clerk / registrar of voters for residence, registration and absentee voting.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Maine Secretary of StateMaine Voting Residence Fact Sheet; residence evidence and Incarcerated persons sections.
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
Maryland’s registration guidance focuses on completion of court-ordered imprisonment for a felony, including federal and out-of-state convictions. It separately excludes convictions for buying or selling votes. Release from imprisonment and that special conviction category must be considered separately; registration remains an additional process.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Has court-ordered imprisonment for every relevant felony ended?
Does any conviction involve buying or selling votes?
What does the local board need to confirm the imprisonment status?
Does the registration, residence or mailing information need an update?
Who to contact: Local board of elections or Maryland State Board of Elections.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
Massachusetts’s official advisory identifies current incarceration for a felony conviction as the criminal-status restriction. It distinguishes other custody, including pretrial detention or a misdemeanor sentence. It says release from felony incarceration ends that restriction without a separate restoration action; registration and ordinary qualifications still matter. The advisory is dated November 2022.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Is the present custody for a felony conviction or another reason?
Has release from felony incarceration occurred?
What registration or residence update does the local election office need?
If still detained for another reason, how can the facility and local election office arrange voting by mail?
Who to contact: Local election office / city or town clerk; facility officials for mail-ballot arrangements.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
Michigan’s Secretary of State distinguishes actively serving a sentence in jail or prison from detention before trial or sentencing. The current FAQ addresses both felony and misdemeanor conviction sentences. A release or supervision label should be checked against whether a sentence is still being served in a facility.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Is any jail or prison custody an active conviction sentence or pretrial / pre-sentencing detention?
Has service of the sentence in the facility ended?
What current address and registration information should the city or township clerk verify?
If detained before trial or sentencing, what ballot arrangements can the clerk confirm?
Who to contact: City or township clerk; corrections or supervising authority for current custody facts.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
Minnesota’s Secretary of State identifies current incarceration for a felony conviction as the restriction, rather than community supervision alone. It distinguishes misdemeanor custody and pretrial detention. Residential reentry centers need special attention: the source differentiates non-incarcerated placements from serving a federal felony sentence there.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Is the person currently incarcerated serving a felony sentence?
Is a residential reentry placement service of a federal felony sentence or a non-incarcerated placement?
Can the probation officer clarify how that placement is classified?
What registration or re-registration and residence information should the election office confirm?
Who to contact: Local election office; probation officer for residential reentry classification.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
Mississippi’s official list identifies particular disenfranchising crimes and voter fraud; it does not treat every felony as the same. Its restoration document describes legislative suffrage bills, a discretionary Governor process following court discharge from probation, and pardons in certain circumstances. Completing a sentence should not be presented as automatic restoration for a listed crime.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Does the exact conviction match a disenfranchising crime or voter-fraud category in the official list?
Which restoration route does the Secretary of State identify for that conviction?
If probation was discharged by the court, is the field-officer / Governor process relevant?
What enacted suffrage bill, executive order or pardon documentation should election officials confirm?
Who to contact: Mississippi Secretary of State and county circuit clerk; relevant legislative or supervising office for the identified restoration route.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Research incomplete — confirm the unresolved points below
Last source review attempt: · Review incomplete
General educational starting point
Missouri’s current section 115.133, effective August 28, 2026, lists confinement under a sentence of imprisonment, probation or parole for specified felony categories, and convictions connected with voting. The Secretary’s FAQ also contains a broader sentence-completion answer. This guide does not reconcile those statements or classify an individual offense.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Is the person confined under a sentence of imprisonment?
Does any probation or parole follow a felony listed in the current section 115.133?
Is there any felony or misdemeanor connected with the right to vote?
How does the local election authority apply the current statute and resolve the broader FAQ wording?
Who to contact: Local election authority or Missouri Secretary of State; qualified counsel if the official interpretations conflict.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
Montana’s voter-qualification statute restricts voting while a person convicted of a felony is serving a sentence in a penal institution. It does not describe that restriction as a bar lasting through all community supervision. The legal status of a particular facility or placement and registration requirements should be confirmed.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Is the current placement service of a felony sentence in a penal institution?
Has release from that incarceration occurred?
How does the county election administrator classify an unusual placement?
What registration and residence information is needed before voting?
Who to contact: County election administrator; corrections for the legal basis of the placement.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
Nebraska’s current FAQ describes restoration after completion of a felony sentence, including probation and parole, with no additional two-year wait. It identifies treason as an exception requiring a restoration application. Federal and out-of-state felony sentences also matter. Discharge paperwork can help resolve a mistaken registration rejection.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Are incarceration, probation and parole complete for every relevant felony sentence?
Is there a Nebraska or federal treason conviction needing a separate restoration application?
Can the court, corrections or parole authority confirm the discharge date?
If the registration was rejected, what release paperwork or corrected disposition should the county election office review?
Who to contact: County election office or Nebraska Secretary of State; sentencing court / supervising authority for discharge.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Nebraska Secretary of StateFelon Voting Rights FAQ; completion, treason, out-of-state cases and rejection questions.
Research incomplete — confirm the unresolved points below
Last source review attempt: · Review incomplete
General educational starting point
Nevada’s Attorney General describes immediate voting-rights restoration for people with convictions who are no longer incarcerated. The page discusses other civil rights separately; those timelines must not be imported into the voting rule. Current incarceration classification and the registration process still need confirmation.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Is there current incarceration, and what is its legal basis?
Does the county election office confirm how the release-based voting rule applies to the current status?
Is a new registration or address update required?
Which voting-specific instruction applies, separately from jury, officeholding or other civil-rights timelines?
Who to contact: County clerk / registrar of voters; Nevada Secretary of State for current registration guidance.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Nevada Attorney GeneralAttorney General Voting Rights; Right to Vote Restored, separate from other-rights sections.
Research incomplete — confirm the unresolved points below
Last source review attempt: · Review incomplete
General educational starting point
New Hampshire’s Secretary of State reproduces RSA 607-A. It distinguishes felony imprisonment from a suspended sentence, probation and parole. For that provision, final discharge means release from incarceration; probation and parole are treated as finally discharged. Offense definitions and any separate constitutional exception still need individual official review.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Is the person imprisoned for a felony under the statute’s definition?
Is the sentence suspended, or is the person on probation or parole?
Has release from incarceration occurred?
What registration steps or separate exception should the town or city election officials confirm?
Who to contact: Town or city clerk / supervisors of the checklist; sentencing or supervising authority for custody status.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
New Jersey’s elections office describes restoration after release from incarceration for an indictable-offense conviction, including convictions under another state’s or federal law. A new registration form is required. Probation and parole should not be confused with continuing to serve a sentence of incarceration.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Is the person currently serving incarceration for an indictable-offense conviction?
Has release occurred, including for an out-of-state or federal sentence?
Has a new voter registration form been submitted after restoration?
What address or status information should the County Commissioner of Registration verify?
Who to contact: County Commissioner of Registration.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
New Mexico’s registration guidance distinguishes current incarceration for a felony from release into the reentry phase. It says probation and parole do not add a voting restriction after that release. Registration and the ordinary voter qualifications remain separate requirements.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Is the person currently incarcerated for a felony conviction?
Has release into the reentry phase occurred?
Is the present status probation or parole rather than incarceration?
What registration and current-address steps should the county clerk confirm?
Who to contact: County clerk; corrections or supervising authority to confirm release status.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
New York’s Board of Elections describes restoration after release from incarceration for a felony, including for people on parole, probation or supervised release. A pardon is not needed for that release-based voting rule. Registration or re-registration is still necessary; residence and mailing arrangements can differ during a temporary stay.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Has incarceration for the felony conviction ended?
Is the current status parole, probation or supervised release?
Has registration or re-registration been completed after release?
Which residence and mailing address should the county board use during a temporary placement?
Who to contact: County board of elections.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
North Carolina’s elections board describes restoration after the entire felony sentence, including probation, parole and post-release supervision, has ended. Restoration does not automatically re-register a voter. Remaining debt is not itself the same as an ongoing sentence, but a probation extension for nonpayment keeps supervision active.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Have all incarceration, probation, parole and post-release-supervision terms ended?
Has any financial obligation caused probation to be extended?
Can the supervising authority confirm that supervision has ended even if debt remains?
What new registration and deadline instructions should the county board provide?
Who to contact: County board of elections; supervising authority for sentence completion and extensions.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
North Dakota does not require voter registration. The Secretary’s official document says incarceration for a felony restricts voting and that the right is restored upon release from prison. A central voter-file record, residence information and acceptable voting identification still need to be correct.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Is the person currently incarcerated for a felony, or has release occurred?
Does the central voter file correctly reflect the release?
What acceptable identification and residence information are needed?
Which county election official can correct a custody or address mismatch?
Who to contact: County election official / county auditor; North Dakota Secretary of State.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
Ohio’s current FAQ distinguishes felony incarceration from probation, parole and community control. It states that misdemeanors do not remove voting rights and separately identifies two election-law convictions as a permanent bar. That special category should not be overlooked when applying the general release-based guidance.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Is there current incarceration for a felony conviction?
Is the current status probation, parole or community control?
Are there two convictions for violating election laws that require separate review?
What registration or re-registration steps should the county board of elections confirm?
Who to contact: County board of elections; Ohio Secretary of State for election-law exceptions.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
Oklahoma lists several restoration routes. The general route involves the court-mandated sentence or discharge, including incarceration, parole, supervision and probation. It also describes qualifying time-served commutations, reclassified-offense commutations and pardons. The specific route and any other outstanding felony sentence must be checked rather than assuming physical release is enough.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Has the court-mandated sentence been fully served or discharged, including supervision?
Is there a qualifying commutation or pardon instead of ordinary sentence completion?
Are there other outstanding felony sentences?
Which sentence, commutation or pardon documents should the county election board confirm?
Who to contact: County election board; sentencing or supervising authority for the applicable discharge or relief record.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
Oregon’s published statute withdraws voting rights during felony incarceration and restores them automatically on release or when the conviction is set aside. It also covers incarceration imposed for a supervision violation and has a separate federal-prison provision. Community supervision and renewed incarceration must be distinguished. Ask officials about current procedures and any later amendments.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Is the current confinement covered felony incarceration or incarceration for a supervision violation?
Has release occurred, or has the conviction been set aside?
Does the separate federal-correctional-institution provision apply?
What registration or address update should the county elections office confirm?
Who to contact: County elections office; sentencing or supervising authority for the legal basis of confinement.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Oregon LegislatureORS 137.281(1)–(7), published 2025 edition; current amendments require confirmation.
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
Pennsylvania distinguishes incarceration for a felony through Election Day from pretrial detention, misdemeanor custody, probation, parole, halfway-house residence and house arrest. Its official page separately identifies Election Code convictions within the last four years. Release timing and that exception matter; an old registration record is not an eligibility clearance.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Will felony incarceration continue through the next election, or will release occur by that date?
Is the current status pretrial detention, misdemeanor custody, parole, probation or house arrest?
Is there an Election Code conviction within the last four years?
What registration and residence information should the county election office confirm?
Who to contact: County election office.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Pennsylvania Department of StateCriminal Status and Voting; permitted categories, felony confinement and Election Code exception.
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
Rhode Island’s Board of Elections says voting rights are restored on discharge from a correctional facility after felony incarceration. The FAQ expressly distinguishes probation, pretrial detention and misdemeanor custody from that restriction. Registration and ballot arrangements remain separate steps.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Is the current confinement for a felony conviction or another reason?
Has discharge from felony incarceration occurred?
Is any remaining supervision being confused with continued incarceration?
What registration update and mail-ballot arrangements should the local board of canvassers confirm?
Who to contact: Local board of canvassers / Board of Elections.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
South Carolina’s guidance restricts voting during confinement in public prison resulting from a conviction. For a felony or election-law offense, the sentence includes incarceration, probation and parole; completion or a pardon is the stated route to removal of that restriction. A new registration application is required, and the county board may request proof of completion.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Is the conviction a felony, an election-law offense, or another offense with current prison confinement?
Have all required prison, probation and parole terms ended, or is there a pardon?
What proof of sentence completion does the county board require?
Has a new registration application been submitted within the applicable deadline?
Who to contact: County voter registration and elections office; South Carolina Election Commission.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
South Dakota’s Secretary of State says a person serving a state or federal felony sentence is removed from voter registration and may register after sentence completion. The page distinguishes a suspended imposition of sentence, which it says does not remove voting rights. A suspended imposition should not be confused with a conviction sentence.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Is the disposition a felony conviction or a suspended imposition of sentence?
Which terms remain in the sentence, including any supervised terms?
Which court or supervising authority can confirm sentence completion?
What new registration information should the county auditor confirm?
Who to contact: County auditor; sentencing or supervising authority for disposition and completion.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Research incomplete — confirm the unresolved points below
Last source review attempt: · Review incomplete
General educational starting point
Tennessee’s current guide uses conviction dates and offense categories to distinguish restoration routes and permanent exclusions. For the route covering convictions on or after May 18, 1981, it describes a court order, discharge or qualifying relief, restitution, and child-support compliance for the previous twelve months. It distinguishes restoration orders issued before May 2, 2025 from later orders for supporting paperwork. Do not rely on sentence completion alone.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
What conviction date and offense category determine the applicable route or exclusion?
Has the required discharge or qualifying relief occurred, and what restitution and child-support conditions apply?
Is there a certified restoration order, and was it issued before or on/after May 2, 2025?
What certified order or sworn statement must the county Administrator of Elections send for Coordinator verification?
Who to contact: County Administrator of Elections / Tennessee Coordinator of Elections; court for restoration petitions and certified orders.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Tennessee Secretary of StateRestoration of Voting Rights; conviction dates, court-order route and May 2, 2025 paperwork distinction.
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
Texas’s State Law Library distinguishes a final felony conviction from other dispositions. Its general route requires full discharge of the sentence, including incarceration, parole, community supervision and probation. It also identifies a pardon or other release from the voting disability. Deferred adjudication and unusual discharge orders need separate verification rather than an assumption based on release from custody.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Is the court outcome a final felony conviction or another disposition?
Have incarceration, parole, community supervision and probation been fully discharged?
Is there a pardon or another order releasing the voting disability?
What disposition and discharge information should the county voter registrar confirm?
Who to contact: County voter registrar; sentencing court or supervising authority for disposition and discharge.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Texas State Law LibraryState Law Library felony-voting FAQ; Election Code 11.002(a)(4) and 13.001(a)(4).
Research incomplete — confirm the unresolved points below
Last source review attempt: · Review incomplete
General educational starting point
Utah’s election FAQ describes automatic restoration on parole, probation or completion of incarceration. It distinguishes serving a jail or prison sentence after a felony conviction from detention before trial. The FAQ does not settle every special-offense exception; current election-offense or treason questions still require official confirmation.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Is the current custody service of a jail or prison sentence after a felony conviction or pretrial detention?
Has parole, probation or completion of incarceration occurred?
Does the county clerk identify a special-offense exception?
What registration and current-address steps must be completed?
Who to contact: County clerk / Utah elections office; supervising authority for custody status.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
Vermont’s statute retains voting by early or absentee ballot during confinement for a criminal conviction, using the last voluntary residence and subject to ordinary voter requirements. Incarceration therefore does not itself require a voting-rights restoration application under this provision. Residence and ballot delivery are the practical questions.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
What was the last voluntary voting residence before confinement?
Is the registration and mailing information correct?
How can an early or absentee ballot be requested and returned from the facility?
Which town clerk can confirm the residence and ordinary voting requirements?
Who to contact: Town clerk for the last voluntary residence; facility staff for ballot delivery.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
Virginia’s official restoration page describes a Governor-approved process rather than automatic voting-rights restoration on release. A person with a felony who is no longer incarcerated may request review. The Secretary of the Commonwealth checks records, and approval results in a personalized restoration order. Release or completion of supervision should not be treated as the order itself.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Has incarceration ended?
Has a restoration request been reviewed by the Secretary of the Commonwealth?
Is there an actual Governor-approved restoration order, and what rights does it cover?
After confirming the order, what registration steps does the local registrar require?
Who to contact: Secretary of the Commonwealth restoration office; local general registrar for registration.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
Washington’s current Secretary of State page describes voting-rights restoration immediately after release from prison for state, federal or out-of-state felony convictions. It says a certificate of discharge is not needed to register. A person previously registered before the felony must register again. Misdemeanors and juvenile-court convictions are treated separately.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Has release from prison for the felony conviction occurred?
Does any current confinement or placement need classification by corrections?
Has registration or re-registration been completed after release?
Does the county elections office have the correct residence and mailing address, without incorrectly requiring a certificate of discharge?
Who to contact: County elections department; corrections for an unclear current confinement category.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Washington Secretary of StateFelony Convictions and Voting Rights; restoration, registration and certificate-of-discharge sections.
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
West Virginia’s September 2026 election manual identifies felony, treason and election-bribery convictions as restrictions throughout the sentence, including incarceration, probation and parole. Its instructions distinguish those categories from ordinary misdemeanor convictions. Completion of the whole relevant sentence and a correct registration record must both be confirmed.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Does the conviction involve a felony, treason or bribery in an election?
Have incarceration, probation and parole for the relevant sentence ended?
Which court or supervising authority can confirm completion?
What registration or re-registration steps should the county clerk provide?
Who to contact: County clerk; sentencing court or supervising authority for sentence completion.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Research incomplete — confirm the unresolved points below
Last source review attempt: · Review incomplete
General educational starting point
Wisconsin’s Department of Corrections says the felony restriction lasts through every portion of the felony sentence, including probation, parole and extended supervision. It describes restoration on discharge from DOC supervision and says registration must be renewed with the municipal clerk. The separate election-office exceptions have not been fully reviewed here.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Are any incarceration, probation, parole or extended-supervision terms still active?
Has DOC confirmed final discharge from felony supervision?
Does the municipal clerk identify any separate treason or bribery restriction?
What re-registration and discharge information should the clerk confirm?
Who to contact: Municipal clerk for registration; Department of Corrections for discharge.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Published official guidance reviewed — individual facts not reviewed
Last source review: · Official source reviewed
General educational starting point
Wyoming Corrections distinguishes qualifying first-time nonviolent state convictions from federal convictions and other excluded cases. Its first-time definition can group related convictions from the same occurrence or course of events. Voting restoration after sentence completion is separate from timelines for other rights. Current procedures distinguish automatic processing for qualifying Wyoming discharges on or after July 1, 2023 from requests for older discharges or certain other situations.
Questions to take to officials
A discussion checklist, not an eligibility test. Ask the office to confirm the answers before making a declaration.
Does Corrections classify the conviction history as a qualifying first-time nonviolent state case?
Have the sentence and all required supervision terms ended?
Is the case Wyoming, out-of-state or federal, and which discharge-date procedure applies?
Is a restoration certificate request needed, and what confirmation should the county clerk receive?
Who to contact: Wyoming Department of Corrections restoration office; county clerk for registration.
Official sources for this explanation and checklist
Confirm each case’s final disposition, sentence and supervision terms, restoration process and relevant financial obligations with the responsible officials. Election-related misdemeanors can have special rules. Sealing, expungement and a pardon are not interchangeable. Keep records private. Ask a qualified lawyer about conflicting orders, disputed interpretations or denied restoration. Do not estimate missing facts, rely on an old voter card or database match, or sign a declaration based only on this guide. After resolving eligibility questions, check residence, citizenship, age, identification and deadlines. North Dakota has no voter registration; elsewhere a new application or update may be needed.
Identify the current disposition for each case. An arrest, pending charge, misdemeanor, deferred disposition, felony conviction and conviction on appeal are different. Some election-related misdemeanors have special rules. Request missing or amended orders from the court clerk; keep records private.
Confirm custody and sentence terms. Ask the responsible court or supervising agency about incarceration, parole, probation, post-release or federal supervision, and formal discharge. Leaving prison does not always mean every required term has ended.
Check any restoration process and obligations. Ask whether restoration is automatic, requires a certificate, application, court order or pardon, and how financial obligations affect the applicable route. Sealing, expungement and a pardon are not interchangeable.
Take unresolved questions to officials. Election officials handle registration; court clerks supply records; supervising agencies confirm discharge. Ask a qualified lawyer about conflicting orders, disputed interpretations or denied restoration. Do not estimate missing facts or sign a declaration based only on this guide.
Confirm the voting process separately. After resolving eligibility, check residence, citizenship, age, identification, registration status and election-specific deadlines. North Dakota has no voter registration. Elsewhere, you may need a new application or update; an old voter card or database match alone is not legal clearance.
Scope: voting only. Other rights have separate rules.
This nationwide guide covers voting and voting-rights restoration. It does not assess jury service, holding public office, firearms, professional licensing or immigration consequences. Restoring one right does not establish restoration of another. Ask the agency responsible for the specific right and a qualified lawyer to review the exact orders and applicable state and federal law.
Report a broken link, outdated source or unclear explanation using the email link in a state entry. Include only the jurisdiction, public source URL and what needs checking. Do not include names, criminal records, case numbers, birth dates, addresses or other sensitive personal information.
This opens your email app; the guide does not submit a report or save feedback. Email is not a confidential case-review channel. For an individual voting question, contact the relevant government office or qualified legal help. A source report does not produce an eligibility answer or guarantee a response before a voting deadline.
Entries point to state election authorities, corrections or restoration offices, and official statutes. Vote.gov provides a state-specific registration and contact route. “Official source reviewed” means the linked material was checked for this educational starting point; it does not mean a complete review of every statute, pending case, appeal, stay or individual circumstance.
“Review incomplete” identifies limited or inaccessible source material. Every entry leaves individual status unresolved. If an official link is unavailable, information conflicts, or a change is proposed or challenged, use the election-office directory and obtain current guidance; do not treat silence or an outdated page as permission.
The federal Vote.gov felony-conviction overview is background, not the basis for a blanket nationwide rule. It contains older review dates; state-specific guidance takes priority for verification.