In September, a three-judge panel ruled that thousands of people on community supervision whose inability to pay fines and fees extended their probation and parole can now register to vote.
This new ruling means that you ARE NOW eligible to vote in NC as long as you have completed your probation, parole, or post release supervision- even if you still owe fines, fees, or restitution. The ruling also applies if you are currently on felony probation and your probation was extended due to outstanding court costs, fines, and fees; you are now eligible to vote.
While we're excited about this victory, our fight continues. Tens of thousands of people on community supervision remain disenfranchised because the ruling only applied to those who still owe fines and fees — not to the broader group who remain on probation or parole for other reasons. We will return to court in 2021 to continue our fight to expand the 'we' in 'We the people' and create a more inclusive democracy.
For questions and concerns about felony disenfranchisement, email vote@forwardjustice.org or call 877- 880-VOTE (877-880-8683)
Frequently Asked Questions & Resources
for Voting with a Criminal Record in NC
- If I have felonies on my record, how do I find out if I’m eligible to vote or not?
You CAN vote in NC if you have been previously convicted of a felony so long as you have completed your sentence even if you still owe court costs, fees, fines, or restitution. Completing your sentence includes any period of incarceration, probation, post-release supervision, and parole.
NOTE: If you are currently on felony probation and your probation has been extended due to outstanding court fines and fees, you ARE eligible to vote. - If I have a Misdemeanor conviction, can I vote?
You CAN vote in NC if you have been previously convicted of a misdemeanor. If a person has ONLY been convicted of a misdemeanor, their voting rights are never taken away. - I was convicted as a juvenile, can I vote now?
You CAN vote in NC if you have been previously convicted of a felony so long as you have completed your sentence even if you still owe court costs, fees, fines, or restitution. This applies to juvenile convictions as well. Completing your sentence includes any period of incarceration, probation, post-release supervision, and parole.
NOTE: If you are currently on felony probation and your probation has been extended due to outstanding court fines and fees, you ARE eligible to vote.
Important Dates
- Voter Registration Deadline: October 9th, 2020
- Early Voting: October 15th-31st, 2020
- Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: October 27th, 2020 at 5 PM
- Election Day: November 3rd, 2020
Resources
- Voter Registration Lookup
- Online NCDMV Voter Registration
- Absentee Ballot Request Portal
- NC Black Alliance- Safe Voter NC
- Absentee Ballot Tracking
- Polling Place Locator
- One-Stop Voting Site lookup
- Reminder: You Can Register in Person at One-Stop Early Voting.