How to Regain Voting Rights as a Felon
Most states restrict the voting rights of people who have been convicted of a felony. However, the rules vary greatly from state to state. Some states permit those with felony convictions to vote even while still incarcerated, some to vote after being released and some to vote after parole, and still others prohibit anyone with a felony record from voting. The American Civil Liberties Union and other civil rights groups are working to restore the right to vote for felons in the most restrictive states. However, there are cases of felons having their voting rights restored.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
What To Do
-
1
Determine your voting rights. As of February 2010, Maine and Vermont allow convicted felons to vote even while serving their sentences. Washington, D.C., and 13 states permit felons to vote after completing their sentences, but most states reinstate voting rights only to felons who have completed all forms of supervised release, including parole and probation. At least two states, Virginia and Kentucky, currently bar nearly all convicted felons from voting, allowing rare exceptions for non-violent crimes.
-
2
Register to vote, in you haven't, in states that permit felons to vote.
-
-
3
Appeal your voting status if you live in a state that does not permit felons to vote, but has an appeal process. Legally petitioning the state's governor could help. For example, in Kentucky felons can have their voting rights restored through an execution pardon from the governor, but only after they have completed their sentences and paid full restitution. They must also submit an essay, character references and pay a fee to be reinstated. Some other states also permit similar kinds of appeal processes.
-
4
Hire a civil rights or criminal attorney or alert civil rights groups if you do not like some aspect of the re-enfranchisement process or if the state doesn't have such a process. Filing a lawsuit might help. There have been several lawsuits filed regarding disenfranchised voters, including legal battles in Kentucky and Washington state regarding the voting rights of felons. Some legal experts believe this issue will some day go before the U.S. Supreme Court.
-
5
Encourage state representatives to change the laws. As of 2010, several bills have been introduced in a number of states that would modify the current restrictions on voting by convicted felons. Some of these bills call for statewide ballot questions, asking voters whether felons who have not been convicted of murder or a sex crime should be allowed to vote again once they have served their sentences.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
The road to reinstating voting rights as a convicted felon is difficult, but there have been successful attempts, especially in states where restrictions are less challenging.
If you've been convicted of a felony and hope to be able to vote again some day, you should remain committed to obeying the law. Some states are considering amending laws and reinstating a felons right to vote if he stays out of trouble for a few years after serving his time.
Any attempt to reinstate the voting rights of felons will be challenging and will take significant commitment. It is likely to mean legal battles and lengthy debate with policy makers and politicians.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit directional vote sign image by Pix by Marti from Fotolia.com
