Voting After a Felony in Louisiana

Many people with a felony conviction in Louisiana can vote again, even while they are still on probation or parole. Here is how to know if you can vote and how to register.

Who Can Vote

You can vote if you meet the usual rules (U.S. citizen, Louisiana resident, and at least 18) and one of these is true:

You were arrested but never convicted of a felony. An arrest alone does not take away your right to vote.
You have pending charges. Waiting for trial does not take away your right to vote, as long as you are not serving a felony sentence that disqualifies you.
You were convicted of a misdemeanor only. A misdemeanor conviction never takes away your right to vote.
You finished your sentence. If you have completed your full felony sentence, including any probation or parole, you can vote.
You have not been incarcerated in the last 5 years. If you are still under a felony sentence, such as probation or parole, but you have not been incarcerated for it in the last 5 years, you can vote. This rule took effect March 1, 2019.

Who Cannot Vote Yet

You were incarcerated for a felony in the last 5 years and are still under that sentence.
You were convicted of felony election fraud or another felony election offense (La. R.S. 18:1461.2) and are still under that sentence. The 5-year rule does not apply to you. You can vote once the sentence is fully complete.

Important: The 5 years are counted from the last time you were incarcerated, not from the day you finish your sentence.

How to Get Your Voting Rights Back

If your voter registration was suspended because of a felony conviction, follow these steps:

Contact Probation and Parole. Ask your probation or parole officer, or your local Probation and Parole District Office, for a completed Voting Rights Certification Form. Some people call it a Voter Eligibility Certificate.
Get your certification. The officer confirms that you are no longer under a felony sentence, or that you meet the 5-year rule and are not excluded for an election offense.
Visit your parish Registrar of Voters. Bring the form in person. The registrar will review it and reinstate your registration if you qualify.
Confirm your registration is active. Check your status before you go to vote through the Louisiana Secretary of State, especially if your registration was suspended.

Federal and Out-of-State Convictions

These follow the same rules as Louisiana convictions.

Does Expungement Help?

You do not need an expungement to vote. But clearing your record can help with jobs and housing. See Am I Eligible for Expungement and Jobs With a Criminal Record (Fair Chance Hiring).

Get Help

Get legal help at a JAC Reentry Legal Clinic.
Check if you can clear your record for free with the Expungement App.
Come to a free JAC expungement clinic.
Learn more about the JAC Expungement Program.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Contact your parish Registrar of Voters to confirm your status.