Voting Rights for People with a Criminal History

If you meet the general qualifications, California law allows people with a criminal history to register and vote.

You CAN register and vote if you are:

• In county Jail:
  • Serving a misdemeanor sentence (a misdemeanor never affects your right to vote)
  • Serving a felony jail sentence
  • Serving time as a condition of probation for a misdemeanor or felony conviction
  • Awaiting trial
• On probation
• On parole
• On mandatory supervision
• On post-release community supervision
• On federal supervised release
• A person with a juvenile wardship adjudication

You CANNOT register and vote if you are:

• Imprisoned in a State or Federal Prison
• Currently serving a state prison felony sentence in a county jail or other correctional facility
• Awaiting transfer to a state or federal prison for a felony conviction

Still have questions regarding your eligibility?  Visit the Secretary of State’s website about Who can vote in California and use the Restore Your Vote tool to determine eligibility. 

Voting While Incarcerated

If you or someone you know is incarcerated in Kings County, they may be eligible to vote.  We suggest that you inquire with the Deputy in your unit about how to participate.  To learn more about voter eligibility while incarcerated, please review the Voting While Incarcerated eligibility chart here:

Voting While Incarcerated (English)

Voting While Incarcerated (Spanish)

Voting While Incarcerated (Tagalog)

Released from Custody Before You Receive Your Ballot?

If you are released from custody before your Vote-by-Mail ballot arrives, you can still vote.  Go to any Vote Center in Kings County or to the Elections Department and request a new ballot.  You can also request a replacement ballot be mailed to you if time permits.

You can access the Interactive County Map to locate your nearest Vote Center or see a List of Vote Centers in Kings County here. 

Restoring Your Voting Rights

Once you have completed your sentence, your right to vote is restored.  However, your prior registration is not automatically activated.  You must re-register to vote by submitting a new Voter Registration Form. 

Contact the Elections Department or come by in person and request a registration form.  You can also re-register to vote online at www.registertovote.ca.gov. Forms are also available from many government service departments, the Secretary of State’s office, local libraries, post offices, and the DMV.