Can Felons Vote in North Carolina?

If you have been convicted of a felony in North Carolina state courts and have finished your parole or probation, you can vote.

Most people are under the impression that a person who has been convicted of a felony loses his right to vote in North Carolina forever. However, voting rights are restored upon finishing parole or probation. The convicted may request a Certificate of Restoration of Forfeited Rights of Citizenship to prove he has the right to vote if challenged at any point.

A person in jail who is not serving a felony sentence (pre-trial or misdemeanor) is also eligible to vote by absentee ballot.

Who Can’t Vote?

  • A person serving a current sentence for a felony, or currently on probation or parole for a felony;
  • A person who is NOT a U.S. Citizen; or
  • A person under 18 at the time of the General Election (not the primary).

Registering to vote while serving a sentence for a felony is also a felony. It’s also illegal to register to vote if you are not a U.S. Citizen.

See this document for more information: https://www.ncsbe.gov/Portals/0/Documents/VotingRightsGuide_CriminalJusticeSystem.pdf

If you need to check the status of your voter registration in NC, visit www.ncsbe.gov.

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