Felony voting rights by state
Maine, Vermont and D.C. never take away the right to vote. In 25 states it returns on release from prison; in 13, after the full sentence; and in 10, some people lose it permanently unless the government restores it.
- Never lose the right to vote (2)
- Restored on release from prison (25)
- Restored after the full sentence (13)
- Permanent loss for some (10)
Never lose the right to vote (2)
People can vote even while in prison.
Restored on release from prison (25)
California · Colorado · Connecticut · Hawaii · Illinois · Indiana · Louisiana (Restored on probation or parole for people not incarcerated in the last five years) · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Missouri (Restored on release for most people) · Montana · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Dakota · Ohio · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · Utah · Washington
Restored after the full sentence (13)
Including parole and probation.
Alaska · Arkansas · Georgia · Idaho · Kansas · Nebraska · North Carolina · Oklahoma · South Carolina · South Dakota · Texas · West Virginia · Wisconsin
Permanent loss for some (10)
Unless the government restores the right.
Alabama · Arizona · Delaware · Florida · Iowa · Kentucky · Mississippi · Tennessee · Virginia · Wyoming
Questions and answers
Can people in prison vote?
Only in Maine, Vermont and the District of Columbia.
Do fines have to be paid first?
In some states, yes: they can require fines, fees or restitution to be paid before rights return. This map doesn't show that.
Does a misdemeanor take away the vote?
Generally no; these rules concern felonies. People held in jail before trial without a conviction keep the right to vote.
Source: Brennan Center for Justice, "Criminal disenfranchisement laws across the United States" (September 22, 2026). Confirm with your state election office.