Felony Disenfranchisement Laws (Map)

A mix of state laws on felony disenfranchisement, which vary in severity across the country, prevents around 5.85 million Americans with felony convictions – and, in some states, even certain misdemeanor convictions – from voting. Additionally, confusion and misinterpretation of these laws result in many more people being denied their right to vote, even when they may be eligible.

The map above illustrates voting rights for individuals who were previously incarcerated:

• Orange – People with felony convictions regain the right to vote after completing their sentence.
• Orange and yellow stripes – Some individuals with felony convictions remain unable to vote.
• Blue – Only those currently in prison are restricted from voting; everyone else has voting rights.
• Green – Voting rights are granted to all individuals.

Here’s the information by state:

1. Washington – In 2021, Governor Inslee signed a law that automatically restores voting rights to individuals with felony convictions once they are released from prison.
2. Idaho – Individuals with felony convictions regain their right to vote after completing their sentence.
3. Montana – Voting is not allowed for those currently in prison, but all others can vote.
4. North Dakota – People serving time in prison cannot vote, but everyone else retains their voting rights.
5. Minnesota – In 2023, Governor Walz approved legislation that automatically restores voting rights after incarceration, effective July 1, 2023.
6. Wisconsin – Individuals with felony convictions can vote once they have fully completed their sentence.
7. Michigan – Those in prison are not allowed to vote, but voting rights remain for everyone else.
8. New York – In 2021, Governor Cuomo signed a law restoring voting rights automatically after release from prison.
9. Vermont – Voting rights are granted to all individuals.
10. New Hampshire – People currently incarcerated cannot vote, but voting rights remain for all others.
11. Maine – All individuals have the right to vote.
12. Oregon – People currently in prison cannot vote, but voting rights are available to everyone else.
13. Wyoming – First-time felony offenders convicted of non-violent crimes can request automatic restoration of voting rights after completing their sentence, including parole and probation. Others with felony convictions cannot vote unless they receive a pardon.
14. South Dakota – Individuals with felony convictions regain voting rights once they have fully completed their sentence.
15. Iowa – In 2020, Governor Reynolds signed an executive order restoring voting rights to individuals who have finished their sentences, except for those convicted of homicide. This follows past executive orders from Governor Vilsack (who restored rights in 2005) and Governor Branstad (who overturned that order in 2011).
16. Illinois – Those in prison are not allowed to vote, but everyone else can.
17. Indiana – People currently incarcerated cannot vote, but all other citizens maintain their voting rights.
18. Ohio – Voting rights are restricted for individuals in prison, but everyone else is eligible.
19. Pennsylvania – Those serving time in prison cannot vote, while all others can.
20. New Jersey – People with felony convictions can vote after completing their sentence.
21. Massachusetts – Individuals currently in prison cannot vote, but everyone else has the right to vote.
22. Connecticut – In 2021, Governor Ned Lamont signed a law restoring voting rights to those on parole. However, the state still restricts voting for parolees and felony probationers convicted of election-related crimes.
23. Rhode Island – Voting is not allowed for those in prison, but all other residents can vote.
24. California – In 2020, Proposition 17 was passed, reinstating voting rights for individuals on parole.
25. Nevada – People in prison are not eligible to vote while voting rights remain intact for everyone else.
26. Utah – Those currently incarcerated cannot vote, but all others can.
27. Colorado – People serving time in prison are not allowed to vote, but everyone else has the right to do so.
28. Nebraska – Individuals with felony convictions regain voting rights after completing their sentence.
29. Kansas – Those with felony convictions can vote once they have fully served their sentence.
30. Missouri – Individuals with felony convictions can vote after completing their sentence.
31. Kentucky – In 2019, Governor A. Beshear issued an executive order restoring voting rights to individuals who completed sentences for nonviolent offenses. A similar order was issued in 2015 by Governor S. Beshear but was later revoked by Governor Bevin that same year.
32. West Virginia – Individuals with felony convictions can vote once they have completed their sentence.
33. Maryland – Those currently in prison cannot vote, but all others can.
34. Virginia – In 2020, an executive order restored voting rights to many individuals upon release from prison and allowed an application process for those not incarcerated for a felony. However, this policy was reversed by Governor Youngkin in March 2023.
35. Arizona – First-time felony offenders, except those convicted of firearm-related crimes, automatically regain voting rights after completing their sentence, including probation or an unconditional discharge, and paying any required restitution. Those with multiple felony convictions or unpaid restitution can only vote if their rights are restored by a judge at the end of probation or through a successful court petition.
36. New Mexico – In 2023, Governor Lujan Grisham signed a law granting automatic restoration of voting rights upon release from incarceration, effective July 1, 2023.
37. Oklahoma – People with felony convictions regain voting rights after completing their sentence.
38. Texas – Individuals with felony convictions can vote after serving their full sentence.
39. Arkansas – Those with felony convictions regain voting rights upon completing their sentence.
40. Louisiana – In 2019, House Bill 265 went into effect, restoring voting rights for individuals on probation or parole who have not been incarcerated within the past five years. Some sources consider Louisiana as a state that has fully reinstated voting rights for those on probation.
41. Tennessee – Individuals convicted of murder, rape, treason, or voter fraud permanently lose their voting rights unless they receive a pardon. Those convicted of other felonies may regain their right to vote by obtaining a "certificate of restoration" from prison authorities or the Board of Probation and Parole. To qualify, applicants must have paid all court-ordered fines, fees, and restitution and, if required, must be up to date on child support payments.
42. North Carolina – Individuals with felony convictions regain their right to vote after completing their sentence.
43. Mississippi – On August 4, 2023, a panel from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Mississippi's constitutional provision permanently barring individuals convicted of specific felonies—including murder, rape, bribery, arson, theft, perjury, forgery, embezzlement, and bigamy—was unconstitutional under the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. As of now, the provision has been struck down; however, the state has announced plans to appeal, so the situation remains uncertain as the legal process continues.
44. Alabama – People convicted of any of 46 crimes classified as "moral turpitude" lose their voting rights. Most individuals in this category can apply for a Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote (CERV) through an expedited process, but some will need a full pardon.
45. Georgia – Those with felony convictions regain their right to vote once they have completed their sentence.
46. South Carolina – Individuals convicted of felonies can vote after serving their full sentence.
47. Florida – People convicted of murder or felony sexual offenses are not automatically eligible to vote and must apply to the governor for rights restoration. Those convicted of other crimes regain their voting rights upon completing their sentence, including parole and probation. In 2019, Governor DeSantis signed a law that redefined "completion of sentence" to include the payment of certain fines, fees, restitution, and costs.
48. Alaska – Individuals with felony convictions can vote after completing their sentence.
49. Hawaii – Those in prison are not allowed to vote, but everyone else retains their voting rights.
50. Delaware – Most people with felony convictions can vote after completing their sentence. However, Delaware imposes permanent disenfranchisement for those convicted of the following felonies: (1) murder or manslaughter (excluding vehicular homicide), (2) felonies involving bribery, abuse of office, or improper influence, and (3) sexual offenses.