I have a felony conviction. Can I vote in Illinois?

Yes! Illinois is one of the states that allow people with a felony criminal conviction to vote. 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, and are serving time cannot vote. 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. The statute covering this matter may be found at 10 ILCS 5/3-5.

If you have gone to prison and lost your right to vote, you will need to re-register to vote 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. 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.