How to Register to Vote as a Convicted Felon
Convicted felons deal with many legal hurdles once they've been released from prison. Registering to vote can be difficult since their voting rights are rescinded upon conviction. Learn what you need to do to register to vote once your incarceration ends.
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Instructions
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Understand your voting rights after you've been convicted. Research your state's voting laws. The National Conference of State Legislatures indicates that states such as Rhode Island, South Carolina and Utah automatically restore your voting rights upon completion of your sentence. You're only required to register when you're released. States like Florida and Virginia require approval from the governor before you can register.
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Contact either an attorney or a civil rights group in your area to discover your options. American Civil Liberties Union of Florida (ACLUFL) helps convicted felons in Florida regain voting rights by giving access to civil rights applications, and the organization helps you submit your forms by mail or online.
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Ask the Department of Corrections to help you complete a clemency application, which restores your voting rights when you're released from prison. States like Florida and Connecticut make it mandatory as a condition of your release. Send in your clemency application to the Board of Executive Clemency and the Governor. Without the approval of either, your voting rights won't be restored.
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Submit reference letters or affidavits from current and past employers, friends and local clergy. These letters aren't necessary, but they may persuade the board to grant your clemency. Inform the people who write these letters that the Board of Executive Clemency will contact them.
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Fill out your voting registration application once your voting rights have been restored. Check the application before clicking the "Submit" button to make sure your information is correct. Capwiz's voting registration for New Jersey voters gives you the option of previewing a copy of your registration.
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Tips & Warnings
Be truthful when filling out your clemency and voting registration applications. Any deception can incur a rejection for your application.
