10 States That Have Proposed or Passed Legislation to Restore Voting Rights to Felons

Many states give felons voting rights upon completion of their sentences. State legislators often change their views on these privileges.

Here are 10 states that have restored voting rights to felons, according to the Sentencing Project and the National Conference of State Legislatures:

1. Maryland: The lifetime voting ban for felons was repealed by the state legislature in 2007, eliminating a three-year waiting period for certain offenses. An automatic restoration policy is implemented after completion of a sentence.

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2. Nebraska: The state legislature repealed a lifetime ban on all felons in 2005, but included a ban for two years following completion of a sentence.

3. Connecticut: A 2001 bill extended voting rights to felons on probation, which returned voting privileges to some 36,000 people.

4. Delaware: Voting rights were returned to some ex-felons five years after completion of a sentence in 2000, but in 2013 the five-year waiting period was lifted for most offenses, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

5. Alabama: The law changed in 2003 to allow most felons to apply for a certificate of eligibility, which permits them to register to vote after they have completed a sentence.

6. Nevada: Voting rights were amended in 2003 to restore voting privileges to first-time, non-violent felons. The rights are restored immediately after completion of a sentence.

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7. New Mexico: The state legislature repealed the lifetime ban on ex-felon voting in 2001. Legislators also passed a bill in 2005 that requires the Department of Corrections to notify the Secretary of State when a sentence was completed.

8. Rhode Island: Voters amended the state constitution during a 2006 referendum, which restored voting rights to those still on probation or parole.

9. Tennessee: In 2006, state legislators amended their restoration system to allow non-violent offenders to vote following completion of their sentence. The legislation included satisfying court-ordered restitution or child support obligations

10. Texas: The state legislature eliminated a two-year waiting period after sentence completion to regain the right to vote in 1997.

VOTE NOW: Do You Think Convicted Felons Should Be Allowed to Vote?

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• 5 Quotes by Lawmakers For Restoring Voting Rights to Felons

• 6 Quotes by Ex-Offenders on Restoring Voting Rights to Felons