Voting Rights After a Felony in Kentucky
How Kentucky law treats voting with a felony conviction, from the state code and official state agencies.
Short answer: A felony conviction takes away the right to vote in Kentucky until civil rights are restored by the Governor. Executive Order 2019-003; Kentucky Civil Rights Restoration FAQ (Justice and Public Safety Cabinet / Department of Corrections)
| Voting with a felony conviction | A felony conviction takes away the right to vote in Kentucky until civil rights are restored by the Governor. Under Governor's Executive Order 2019-003 (December 12, 2019), the right to vote and to hold public office is restored automatically when a person with a Kentucky felony conviction fully completes (is discharged from) the sentence, probation or parole, even if restitution, fines or fees are unpaid. People convicted of treason, election bribery, violent offenses under KRS 439.3401, chapter 507/507A homicide offenses, certain assaults, first-degree strangulation, human trafficking, or any federal or out-of-state felony are not automatically restored and must apply to the Governor. Because restoration happens at final discharge, the order does not restore voting while a person is still on probation or parole. Department of Corrections page: https://corrections.ky.gov/Probation-and-Parole/Pages/CivilRights.aspx . Kentucky Constitution § 145 was not read. |
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FAQ
Can felons vote in Kentucky?
A felony conviction takes away the right to vote in Kentucky until civil rights are restored by the Governor. Under Governor's Executive Order 2019-003 (December 12, 2019), the right to vote and to hold public office is restored automatically when a person with a Kentucky felony conviction fully completes (is discharged from) the sentence, probation or parole, even if restitution, fines or fees are unpaid. People convicted of treason, election bribery, violent offenses under KRS 439.3401, chapter 507/507A homicide offenses, certain assaults, first-degree strangulation, human trafficking, or any federal or out-of-state felony are not automatically restored and must apply to the Governor. Because restoration happens at final discharge, the order does not restore voting while a person is still on probation or parole.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.