Felony Convictions and Voting Rights
Washington restores voting rights to citizens with felony convictions immediately upon release from prison.
When the right to vote is restored
- If you were convicted of a felony in Washington, another state, or in federal court, your right to vote will be restored immediately upon release from prison. You must register again to receive a ballot.
- You do not lose the right to vote for a misdemeanor conviction or a conviction in juvenile court.
- You do not need a certificate of discharge (COD) to register to vote.
Register to vote upon release
You can register to vote any time after your release from prison. If you were previously registered before your felony conviction, you will need to register again to receive a ballot.
Register to vote in Washington
Outreach handout: Voting After a Felony Conviction (PDF)