Voting Rights After a Felony in Washington
How Washington law treats voting with a felony conviction, from the state code and official state agencies.
Short answer: For a Washington felony conviction, the right to vote is restored automatically as long as the person is not serving a sentence of total confinement under the Department of Corrections, so people on community custody (parole or probation) can vote. RCW 29A.08.520(1), (3)
| Voting with a felony conviction | For a Washington felony conviction, the right to vote is restored automatically as long as the person is not serving a sentence of total confinement under the Department of Corrections, so people on community custody (parole or probation) can vote. For a federal or other-state felony, the right is restored automatically once the person is no longer incarcerated. A person whose voting right was suspended must reregister before voting. Confinement as a sanction for a community custody violation does not count as total confinement. Current rule effective January 1, 2022 (chapter 10, Laws of 2021). Source: RCW 29A.08.520(1), (3) |
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FAQ
Can felons vote in Washington?
For a Washington felony conviction, the right to vote is restored automatically as long as the person is not serving a sentence of total confinement under the Department of Corrections, so people on community custody (parole or probation) can vote. For a federal or other-state felony, the right is restored automatically once the person is no longer incarcerated. A person whose voting right was suspended must reregister before voting. Confinement as a sanction for a community custody violation does not count as total confinement.
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.