Q: I haven't been able to vote since I was 17 because of a felony?
Is voting not a right?Are is it like a driver license?A privilege and can be taken away?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
Voting is a fundamental right in the United States, but it can be restricted under certain circumstances, such as a felony conviction. Each state has its own laws regarding the voting rights of individuals with felony convictions. In some states, your voting rights may be restored after completing your sentence, while in others, additional steps might be necessary.
To understand your specific situation, you need to look into the laws of your state regarding felony disenfranchisement. Some states automatically restore voting rights after release from prison, while others may require you to complete parole, probation, or even seek a pardon.
You can contact your local election office or a legal aid organization to get accurate information on how to restore your voting rights in your state. Taking these steps will help you understand what you need to do to regain your right to vote.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
