Kristina Said:

what would i have to do to get my voting rights back if i am a felon?

We Answered:

election/voting laws vary from state to state. in some situations a court order would need to be filed with the local election office or a certificate of restoration may be completed by a probation officer or agent with pardoning authority. Check with your local election commission.

Tim Said:

What is your opinion on felons voting rights possible being retained?

We Answered:

I'm in favor of the restoration of voting rights to felons once all terms of parole, including restitution, are satisfied.

In the US & elsewhere in the world, centuries ago the trend in the administration of criminal justice saw the evolution of thinking from a punishment-only phase, wherein institutions were known as "penitentiaries" to the changing of negative behavior. Institutions then started being named "reformatories."

Individual state laws dictate whether or not this right can be reinstated; and, the majority of state now do allow some type of process available to interested felons to vote.

I think state law, not federal law, should prevail to greater voice the local citizens' views on this subject. Further, state laws govern elections!

The majority of states which now prevent the reinstatement of voting rights for felons are located in what was former the Confederate South; and many view this voting prohibition as another remnant of the Jim Crow laws of post-Civil War Reconstruction and/or institutionalized racism.

Larry Said:

Ex- Felon Voting Rights?

We Answered:

Under California law, people with felonies or misdemeanors can register to vote
if they are out of prison and off parole.

This website gives detailed information on who can register, how to register, and how to vote.
http://www.votingrightsforall.org/
Felon Voting Quiz
http://www.felonvotingprocon.org/quiz.ht…
http://www.law.stanford.edu/program/cent…

Jason Said:

If a person is convicted of a felon, is their voting rights ever restored? If so, when?

We Answered:

It depends on the state. Some states never restore voting rights to felons, some restore when their sentence is up, and some will restore under certain conditions.

Eileen Said:

What are the voting rights of a felon in Iowa who is on probation?

We Answered:

Unfortunately, you have no voting rights if you are still on probation or parole in Iowa. However, in 2005, Governor Tom Vilsack signed Executive Order 42, which gives ex-felons the right to vote and to hold public office once their sentances are complete (prison, probation, parole, etc).