Felony Convictions and Voting Rights

Effective January 1st, 2022, 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.

New! Felony Conviction and Voting Rights Restoration brochure

When the right to vote is restored

• 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 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 automatically as long as you are not currently incarcerated for that felony.
• You do not lose the right to vote for a misdemeanor conviction or a conviction in juvenile court.
• You do not need a certificate of discharge (COD) to have your voting rights restored.

Registering to Vote

Once your right to vote is restored, you must register to vote if you want to vote. If you were previously registered to vote, you must re-register to vote. You can register online with VoteWA, printing and returning a form, in person at your county elections department or request a voter registration form be mailed to you. You do not need a certificate of discharge (COD) to register to vote.

Visit the Voter Eligibility page, for more information.

Department of Corrections

If you have questions about your status with DOC, call 1 (800) 430-9674.