Island County Auditor

Frequently Asked Questions about Voting and Voter Fraud - Restoring your civil rights

Felons and Voting Rights

It is the responsibility of each person to know whether he/she is eligible to register and vote. All voters must be at least 18 years of age, citizens of the United States of America, and have their full civil rights to be eligible to participate in elections.

Loss of Civil Rights

All persons convicted of a felony in Washington State, lose their right to vote. If convicted in another State, voting rights are governed by that State's laws apply. However, once their sentences have been fully served, their right to vote may be restored by the court of their original conviction.

People who have had their sentences overturned and those who have been pardoned may register and vote. Misdemeanor convictions do not lead to a loss of voting rights.

Which crimes lead to losing your right to vote?

All felony convictions in Washington State lead to the loss of voting rights. This means even if these persons serve their time in the county jail, part of their sentence under home monitoring, or on parole, they still may not vote until their rights are restored by the courts.

Can I lose the right to vote for a misdemeanor conviction?

No, only felonies lead to the loss of voting rights.

When are felons eligible to vote again?

All persons convicted of a felony who have met the conditions of their sentences may have their voting rights restored a number of ways.

• Upon completion of their sentences, the Department of Corrections may restore the persons’ rights through the court of their original convictions.
• These persons may return to the court of conviction and petition the judge to restore their rights via court order.
• They may receive a pardon from the Governor.
• If their crime was committed before July 1, 1984 they may contact the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board and ask for restoration of their rights. (The ISRB may be contacted at http://www.wa.gov/isrb/ , PO Box 40907, Olympia, WA 98504-0907 or (360) 493-9266)

If I was convicted of a felony in Federal Court or another state, will I lose my right to vote in Washington State?

Yes, any felony conviction leads to the loss of voting rights until they are restored by the court.

What are the penalties for voting or registering to vote if I am ineligible?

These crimes are Class C felonies punishable by imprisonment for up to five years and/or a fine up to $10,000.

What can I do if I know someone isn’t eligible to vote but is still registered to vote?

You may contact the County Auditor's office yourself to challenge his/her voter registration. They can explain the procedures for a voter registration challenge. You can also provide proof of his/her ineligibility to the County Prosecuting Attorney.

What should I do if I want to file a report about a person who I suspect is not eligible to be a registered voter?

Complete and submit a Voter Concern Form.