Some states are stricter than others when it comes to granting voting rights to felons. Some states allow it, but require certain standards and obligations. Other states have strong policies.
Here are eight states that have had legislation to restrict voting rights for felons:
1. Massachusetts: Voters amended the state's constitution in 2000, taking away the right to vote for people incarcerated on felony convictions.
2. Kansas: People on probation were added to the category of excluded felons by state legislators in 2002.
VOTE NOW: Should Convicted Felons Be Allowed to Vote?
3. Virginia: The state legislature passed a 2000 law that gave ex-felons the ability to vote by applying for restoration of their voting rights to the circuit court. The application could be done five years after completing their sentence. Drug offenses required waiting seven years. The application process was removed for non-violent, ex-felons in 2013,
according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
4. Wyoming: In 2003, a bill gave rights to some offenders five years after completion of a sentence. The bill allowed non-violent, first-time felons to apply for restoration of voting rights.
5. South Carolina: State lawmakers made stricter regulations for felons in 2012. Felons on probation were added to the list of those on parole and those in prison as people who would not have their voting rights restored, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
TELL US: How Do You Feel About Voting Rights for Convicted Felons?
6. Utah: Voters approved an amendment to the state constitution in 1998 that prohibited felons from voting.
7. Tennessee: Felons have some restrictions in Tennessee. State legislators amended the system in 2006 to allow non-violent felons to vote after completion of the sentence. However, any court-ordered restitution or child support obligations have to be satisfied.
8. Nebraska: The lifetime ban on voting rights for felons was repealed by the state legislature in 2005, but a ban for two years was included following completion of the sentence.
VOTE NOW: Do You Think Convicted Felons Should Be Allowed to Vote?
Related Stories: