Felons & Voting Rights

When the right to vote is restored
 
  • If you were convicted of a felony in Washington State, another state, or in federal court, your right to vote will be restored automatically as long as you are not currently serving a sentence of total confinement in prison. 
  • If you were convicted of a felony in another state or in federal court, your right to vote is restored automatically as long as you are not currently incarcerated for that felony.  
  • You do not lose the right to vote for a misdemeanor conviction in juvenile court. 
  • You do not need a certificate of discharge (COD) to have a your voting rights restored.
If you have questions about your status with DOC, you can call (360) 725-8213. 


Restoring Your Right to Vote

  • Once your right to vote is restored, you must re-register in order to receive a ballot. You can re-register online with VoteWa.gov,  by mail or in person.

Three times a year, the Secretary of State uses information provided by DOC and the state court system to screen the list of registered voters for ineligible felons. If you are registered to vote, but are ineligible because of a felony conviction, you will be sent a letter explaining that your registration will be cancelled in 30 days.The letter provides information on how to dispute the cancellation in person.


Maintaining Your Right to Vote

  • Do not commit another felony.
  • If you have willfully failed to make three payments in a 12 month period, the prosecutor can request the court to revoke your voting rights. If you show you have made a good-faith effort to pay, your voting rights can be restored by the court.

Felony Conviction and Voting Rights Brochure

To challenge a voter registration, you must file a  Voter Challenge with the county elections department where that person is registered.  

San Juan County Inmate Policy and Procedures