Felony Convictions and Voting Rights

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 DOC sentence of total confinement in prison.

Restoring Your Right to Vote

If you were convicted of a felony in a Washington State court, your right to vote is restored unless you are 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 as long as you are not currently incarcerated.

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

You do not lose the right to vote for a misdemeanor conviction or a conviction in juvenile court.

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 (RCW 29A.08.520).

Challenge a Voter Registration

To challenge a voter registration, you must file a Voter Challenge with the Elections office where that person is registered.