Registering as a Person in the Criminal Justice System

When you are convicted of a felony in North Carolina you cannot vote or register to vote until you have completed all the terms of your felony sentence, including any probation or parole.  However, based on a recent court order, you are eligible to register and vote if you are serving an extended term of probation, post-release supervision, or parole, you have outstanding fines, fees, or restitution, and you do not know of another reason that your probation, post-release supervision, or parole was extended. If you have been discharged from probation you are eligible to register and vote, even if you still owe money or have a civil lien.

Attempting to register to vote or voting while you are serving a felony sentence is a felony unless you are (1) serving an extended term of probation, post-release supervision, or parole, (2) you have outstanding fines, fees, or restitution, and (3) you do not know of another reason that your probation, post-release supervision, or parole was extended.

Once you complete your felony sentence or receive a pardon, you are eligible to vote and may register. You can ask your releasing officer for your Certificate of Restoration of Forfeited Rights of Citizenship. This is not required to register to vote but will prove your eligibility to vote if someone challenges your registration. If you have been discharged from probation you are eligible to register and vote, even if you still owe money or have a civil lien.

You may vote when you are serving a sentence, as long as it is not a felony sentence. When you complete the voter registration form, your residential address is where you live when not incarcerated and where you intend to return after release. If you do not have a residence to return to, use the address of the jail or prison. Find more information about requesting an absentee ballot to vote by mail.