Voting Rights Restoration

If a person has only been convicted of a single felony offense, the right to vote is automatically restored as soon as the court-imposed sentence has been completed. The person must fully complete the sentence before the automatic restoration of the right to vote applies. For example, if a prison sentence was imposed, the person must also complete the parole or community supervision period before they are eligible. If a fine or restitution was imposed, that fine and/or restitution must be paid in full. When the individual has completed the sentence, the only action needed to be eligible to vote is to register to vote. The person does not have to apply to the court to have the right to vote restored; it is automatic, A.R.S. § 13-907.

If the person was convicted of two or more felony offenses, either in a single criminal case or in separate cases, the individual (or their attorney) must petition the court that sentenced them for restoration of their civil rights, including the right to vote.

Some sentences have a time limit dependent on the type of conviction. If the sentence only applies to a period of probation the petition can be filed as soon as the individual has completed probation, A.R.S. § 13-905. If a prison sentence was given, the petition can be filed two years after the prison sentence and any parole or community service has been completed, A.R.S. § 13-906. Persons sentenced with lifetime probation are not eligible for rights restoration under statute.

After a petition is sent to the court a judge must decide whether to grant the petition or not.

A juvenile offender found to be delinquent by the juvenile court does not lose the right to vote, even if the offense would have been a felony offense had the juvenile been an adult. The juvenile does lose the right to possess a firearm or gun, but not the right to vote, A.R.S. § 8-249. If the juvenile was treated as an adult under the law; the conviction does suspend the right to vote, and the procedures set forth above apply.

Once a person’s civil rights have been restored, the person must register to vote again. Please visit the Register to Vote page for more information.

A person with a felony conviction in their past is encouraged to consult with their attorney to resolve eligibility issues before they register to vote.

Find more resources here.