Felony Conviction? You May Still Be Able to Vote in Arkansas
A felony conviction does not take away your right to vote forever. In Arkansas you can get it back, but it does not happen automatically. You have to take a few steps yourself.
Who can get their voting rights back
Under Amendment 51 of the Arkansas Constitution, you can register to vote again once you have:
Finished any prison time
Been discharged from probation or parole
Paid all probation or parole fees
Paid all court costs, fines, and restitution
A misdemeanor conviction does not affect your right to vote. Neither does being charged with a crime without a conviction.
How to register again
Get proof that everything is done. Your discharge papers come from the Arkansas Division of Correction or the Division of Community Correction. The circuit clerk can confirm your fines and court costs are paid, and whoever collected your restitution can confirm it is paid.
Take that proof to the voter registration office at the county clerk in the county where you live.
Fill out an Arkansas voter registration application there. Arkansas does not offer online voter registration.
If your record has been sealed (expunged), proof of the sealing can be used instead.
Don't wait for election season
To vote in an election, your registration application must be turned in (or postmarked, if mailed) at least 30 days before that election. Gathering your paperwork can take time, so start now. Call your county clerk's office and ask what they need from you.
Helpful links
Have questions about your record, sealing, or whether you have met every requirement? Call Bassham Law Firm at 501-459-9500.
This post is general information, not legal advice.
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