The ACLU of Northern California launched this public education campaign in collaboration with All of Us or None, a project of Legal Services for Prisoners with Children. Members of All of Us or None are featured in the materials produced as part of this campaign. |
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Every Vote Counts Campaign
There is a lot of confusion in California about the impact of a criminal conviction on voting rights. We have created this website to set the record straight. In California, some criminal convictions have no impact on your voting rights at all. Other kinds of convictions may temporarily take away your right to vote. The only time you are not eligible to vote is if you have a felony conviction and you are still in state prison or on parole.
Click here for more information on the ACLU of Northern California's voting rights work.
On Probation? Off Parole? YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE.
My Voting Rights
- What are my voting rights if I have a misdemeanor?
- What are my voting rights if I have a felony?
- Can I vote while I’m on probation?
- Can I vote while I’m on parole?
- Can I vote while I am in jail?
- Can I vote if I’ve been to prison in the past?
Registering to Vote
Important Deadlines
Additional Information
What Are My Voting Rights if I Have a Misdemeanor?
A misdemeanor conviction does not affect your right to vote at all. You can vote in all elections.
Click here to request our voting rights materials.
What Are My Voting Rights if I Have a Felony?
If you have a felony conviction, you CAN vote if:
- you are on probation, or
- you have completed your probation, or
- you have completed your parole.
The only time you are not allowed to vote is if you have a felony conviction and you are still in state prison or on parole. Once you have completed your prison sentence and parole, you can register to vote.
Click here to request our voting rights materials.
Can I Vote While I Am On Probation?
Yes! You can vote at all times while you are on probation, regardless of whether your conviction is a felony or misdemeanor.
Click here to request our voting rights materials.
Can I Vote While I Am On Parole?
No. You can vote only once you have completed your parole.
Click here to request our voting rights materials.
Can I Vote While I Am in Jail?
Maybe. You CAN vote if you are in jail:
- awaiting trial for any crime, or
- for a misdemeanor conviction, or
- on a probation violation, or
- on felony probation,or
- for felony conviction that did not result in a prison sentence.
The ONLY time you lose the right to vote is when you are:
- in state prison for a felony conviction, or
- in jail awaiting transfer to a state prison for a felony conviction, or
- on parole for a felony conviction, or
- in jail for a parole violation.
Click here to request our voting rights materials.
Can I Vote if I Have Been to Prison in the Past?
Yes! The only time you are NOT eligible to vote in California is if you are in state prison or on parole. Remember: On Probation? Off Parole? You have the right to vote.
Click here to request our voting rights materials.
How Do I Regain My Ability to Vote?
In California, you do NOT need to do anything to "restore" your right to vote—it is automatically restored once you have completed your parole and are no longer in state prison. However, you MUST register or re-register to vote in an upcoming election.
Click here to request our voting rights materials.
How Do I Register to Vote?
There are a number of ways you can register to vote:
- Pick up a registration form at the DMV, post office, or your local county elections office.Complete the form, sign it, and mail it to your county elections office.
- Download a registration form from the Internet and mail the completed form to your county elections office. Be sure to sign and date your form!
- Register online with the Secretary of State. Once you complete the online form, it will be mailed to you to sign and mail back. If you use the online registration form, register at least one month before the election to allow time for mailing the form back and forth.
Re-register to vote if you move or change your name.
Click here to request our voting rights materials.
How Do I Vote?
In California, you can vote in two ways:
- Vote-By-Mail Ballot.
- At your local county polling place.
Vote By Mail: You can become a Vote-By-Mail Voter (formerly, "Absentee" voter) by submitting a Vote-By-Mail Ballot Application OR choosing to become a "Permanent Vote-By-Mail Voter" on your Voter Registration Card (Box 11). Please contact your local elections office for information about voting by mail.
At the Polling Place: Once you are registered to vote, you can vote at your local polling place on Election Day. Your polling place should be listed on the sample ballot you receive in the mail once you are registered to vote.
You can also call your county elections office to find out where you vote.
When is the Last Day to Register to Vote?
- You MUST register or re-register to vote at least 15 days before the next local, state or federal election.
For the November 2008 Presidential Election, you must submit your Voter Registration Form by
When is Election Day?
The 2008 Presidential Election is
- Be sure to check out your local elections office website as there may be additional local or state elections in your area.
How Do I Find My Polling Place?
Once you are registered to vote, you can vote at your local polling place on Election Day. Your polling place should be listed on the sample ballot you receive in the mail once you are registered to vote.
You can also call your county elections office to find out where you vote.
Where Can I Find More Information?
Call the California Secretary of State 1-800-345-VOTE (English), 1-800-232-VOTA (Spanish) or visit their voter education Web site here.
LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD. REGISTER TO VOTE TODAY.
Spread the Word
Use these images on your Blog or Web site to spread the word about the Every Vote Counts Campaign. Click an image to view and download:
