Your Right to Vote in Illinois with a Felony Conviction

In Illinois, people with a felony criminal conviction are allowed to vote. Given the upcoming elections, now is the time to ensure that you are registered to vote and your voice will be heard.

The only exception to this rule is if you are currently incarcerated. This includes those who have been convicted, have been sentenced or are awaiting sentencing, or are serving time. If you are on work release or prison furlough, you cannot vote until your time is completed. However, if you are being held in jail and have not yet been convicted, you have the right to vote.

If you have gone to prison on a felony conviction, you likely lost your right to vote and will need to re-register once you are released. This can be done online, by mail, or in person at your county board election office, the library, the county clerk's office, etc. If you are unsure, you can also check your voter status. In Illinois, a convicted felon has the same right to vote as every other citizen who resides in this state. 

If you are interested in determining whether your Illinois felony conviction can be sealed, contact the Law Offices of Hannah Garst, P.C., for a free case review.