Can Felons Vote in Alabama?
It depends on your specific conviction. If your felony is not on Alabama's 'moral turpitude' list, you never lost your voting rights. If it is on the list, you must complete your sentence and then apply for a Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote (CERV) from the Board of Pardons and Paroles. However, if you were convicted of murder, rape, sexual abuse, sexual torture, sexual crimes against children, incest, or treason, you need a full gubernatorial pardon. Check the list at sos.alabama.gov/mtfelonies.
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Overview
Alabama has a complex voting rights system based on a list of felonies involving 'moral turpitude.' Under Alabama Code Section 17-3-30.1, only felonies on the moral turpitude list result in the loss of voting rights. If your felony is not on the list, your voting rights are not affected. For most moral turpitude felonies, you can apply for a Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote (CERV) from the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles after completing your sentence. However, certain serious offenses — including murder, rape, sexual abuse, sexual crimes against children, incest, and treason — require a full gubernatorial pardon for restoration. The moral turpitude list was originally defined by HB 282 in 2017 and updated by Act 2024-341 to include 56 offenses.
Quick Answer
It depends on your specific conviction. If your felony is not on Alabama's 'moral turpitude' list, you never lost your voting rights. If it is on the list, you must complete your sentence and then apply for a Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote (CERV) from the Board of Pardons and Paroles. However, if you were convicted of murder, rape, sexual abuse, sexual torture, sexual crimes against children, incest, or treason, you need a full gubernatorial pardon. Check the list at sos.alabama.gov/mtfelonies.
Can vote
- ✓Convicted of a felony that is NOT on the moral turpitude list (voting rights were never lost)
- ✓Convicted of a moral turpitude felony, completed sentence, and obtained a Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote (CERV)
- ✓Received a gubernatorial pardon that specifically restores voting rights
- ✓Convicted of a misdemeanor only (misdemeanors do not affect voting rights)
- ✓In jail awaiting trial (pretrial detention) — not yet convicted
Cannot vote
- ✗Currently incarcerated for any felony involving moral turpitude
- ✗Currently on probation or parole for a felony involving moral turpitude (have not yet completed sentence)
- ✗Convicted of a moral turpitude felony and have not applied for or received a CERV
- ✗Convicted of murder, rape 1st or 2nd degree, sodomy 1st or 2nd degree, sexual abuse 1st or 2nd degree, sexual torture, incest, or sexual crimes against children — these require a full gubernatorial pardon (CERV not available)
- ✗Convicted of treason or impeached — permanently disqualified unless pardoned
- ✗Have pending felony charges at the time of CERV application
Step-by-Step Process
Determine if your conviction is on the moral turpitude list
Check the official list of moral turpitude felonies at sos.alabama.gov/mtfelonies. If your felony is NOT on the list, your voting rights were never taken away and you can register to vote immediately. If it IS on the list, proceed to Step 2. The list currently includes 56 offenses as updated by Act 2024-341.
Determine your restoration path
Most moral turpitude felonies are eligible for the CERV process. However, if you were convicted of murder, rape (1st or 2nd degree), sodomy (1st or 2nd degree), sexual abuse (1st or 2nd degree), sexual torture, incest, sexual crimes against children, or treason, you must seek a full gubernatorial pardon instead — the CERV process is not available for these offenses.
Complete your sentence
You must have completed your entire sentence, including incarceration, probation, and parole, before applying for a CERV. You must also have paid all court-ordered fines, fees, and victim restitution. Verify your sentence completion status with the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles at (334) 353-7771.
Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote (CERV)
Visit the Board of Pardons and Paroles office in the county where you currently live or call (334) 353-7771 or (334) 353-8067 to begin the application. You can also find information at paroles.alabama.gov. If the Board confirms that your sentence is complete and you have no pending felony charges, they must issue you a CERV. The process is free.
Register to vote with your CERV
Take your CERV to your county board of registrars to register to vote. You can find your county board of registrars through the Alabama Secretary of State's website at sos.alabama.gov. You may also be able to register by mail or at your county courthouse.
Vote and stay registered
Once registered, vote at your assigned polling place on Election Day. Bring a valid photo ID (Alabama driver's license, Alabama nondriver ID, or other approved photo ID). You can check your voter registration status at myinfo.alabamavotes.gov. Contact the Secretary of State's office at (334) 242-7210 with any questions.
Key Laws
| Law | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Constitution, Article VIII, Section 177 | 1901 | Disqualifies from voting any person convicted of a felony involving moral turpitude, among other disqualifying conditions. This constitutional provision was the source of significant controversy because 'moral turpitude' was not defined, leading to inconsistent application across counties. |
| HB 282 — Felony Voter Disqualification Act (Definition of Moral Turpitude Act) | 2017 | Unanimously passed by the Alabama Legislature and signed by Governor Kay Ivey on May 25, 2017. Created a definitive list of felonies involving moral turpitude for voting disqualification purposes, narrowing the previously undefined and inconsistently applied standard. Originally listed 48 specific offenses. Also established the Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote (CERV) process. |
| Act 2024-341 (HB 100) — Updated Moral Turpitude List | 2024 | Amended the Felony Voter Disqualification Act to update the list of crimes involving moral turpitude. Expanded the list from 48 to 56 offenses, notably adding crimes against election officials. Effective October 1, 2024. |
| Alabama Code § 17-3-30.1 — Disqualification of Electors for Felonies Involving Moral Turpitude | 2017 (amended 2024) | Statutory codification of the moral turpitude list. Provides that only felonies listed in this section can result in voting disqualification. Establishes three categories: offenses eligible for CERV, offenses requiring a full pardon, and offenses resulting in permanent disqualification (treason, impeachment). Also mandates that the Board of Pardons and Paroles must issue a CERV when eligibility requirements are met. |
Edge Cases
My felony is not on the moral turpitude list. Do I need a CERV to vote?
No. If your felony conviction is not on the moral turpitude list (currently 56 offenses as updated by Act 2024-341), your voting rights were never affected. You can register to vote the same as any other eligible citizen. Check the list at sos.alabama.gov/mtfelonies to confirm whether your offense is included.
I was convicted of murder. Can I ever vote again?
Only through a full gubernatorial pardon that specifically restores your voting rights. The CERV process is not available for murder, rape (1st or 2nd degree), sodomy (1st or 2nd degree), sexual abuse (1st or 2nd degree), sexual torture, incest, sexual crimes against children, or treason. You must apply to the Governor's office for a pardon.
Can the Board of Pardons and Paroles deny my CERV application?
The Board has limited discretion. Under Alabama law, if you have completed your sentence (including all fines, fees, and restitution), your offense is eligible for the CERV process, and you have no pending felony charges, the Board must issue the CERV. The Board's role is primarily to verify these conditions are met, not to exercise discretionary judgment.
Do I need to pay all fines and restitution before applying for a CERV?
Yes. Alabama law requires that all court-ordered fines, fees, and victim restitution be paid before you can receive a CERV. If you have outstanding financial obligations, you must satisfy them before the Board will issue your certificate. Contact the court where you were sentenced to verify your financial obligations.
What if I was convicted of a moral turpitude felony in another state but now live in Alabama?
Alabama law applies its moral turpitude list to determine voting eligibility. If the offense you were convicted of in another state corresponds to an offense on Alabama's moral turpitude list, you would need to go through the CERV or pardon process. Contact the Alabama Secretary of State's office or the Board of Pardons and Paroles for guidance on your specific situation.
Can I vote while on probation or parole in Alabama for a moral turpitude felony?
No. You must complete your entire sentence — including probation and parole — before you can apply for a CERV. You are not eligible to register to vote while still under supervision for a moral turpitude felony conviction.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I vote in Alabama if I have a felony conviction?
- It depends on your conviction. If your felony is not on Alabama's moral turpitude list, your voting rights were never affected and you can register normally. If your felony is on the list, you must complete your sentence and apply for a Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote (CERV). If your conviction is for murder, rape, sexual abuse, sexual crimes against children, incest, or treason, you need a full gubernatorial pardon.
- What is the moral turpitude list?
- Alabama law defines a specific list of felonies involving 'moral turpitude' that result in the loss of voting rights. The list currently includes 56 offenses as updated by Act 2024-341 (effective October 1, 2024). Common offenses on the list include murder, manslaughter, assault (1st and 2nd degree), rape, kidnapping, robbery, burglary, theft (1st and 2nd degree), forgery, drug trafficking, and domestic violence. The full list is available at sos.alabama.gov/mtfelonies.
- What is a CERV and how do I get one?
- A CERV (Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote) is a document issued by the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles that certifies you are eligible to register to vote after a moral turpitude felony conviction. To apply, visit the Board's office in your county or call (334) 353-7771. You must have completed your sentence, paid all fines and restitution, and have no pending felony charges. The process is free.
- Is there a fee to apply for a CERV?
- No. The CERV application process is free. However, you must have paid all court-ordered fines, fees, and victim restitution before you are eligible to receive a CERV.
- How long does the CERV process take?
- Processing times can vary. Once you submit your application and the Board of Pardons and Paroles verifies that you have completed your sentence and met all requirements, the Board is required by law to issue your CERV. Contact the Board at (334) 353-7771 to inquire about current processing times.
- Which felonies require a full pardon instead of a CERV?
- The following convictions require a gubernatorial pardon to restore voting rights (the CERV process is not available): murder, rape (1st or 2nd degree), sodomy (1st or 2nd degree), sexual abuse (1st or 2nd degree), sexual torture, incest, production or distribution of obscene matter involving a minor, sexual crimes against children, and treason. Impeachment also permanently disqualifies you.
- What if my felony conviction was before the 2017 law (HB 282)?
- HB 282 applies retroactively. If your conviction predates 2017, check whether your offense is on the current moral turpitude list. If it is not on the list, your voting rights should not have been taken away (and if they were, you may be eligible to register now). If it is on the list, you can follow the CERV process after completing your sentence.
- Do I need a photo ID to vote in Alabama?
- Yes. Alabama requires a valid photo ID to vote. Acceptable IDs include an Alabama driver's license, Alabama nondriver ID, Alabama photo voter ID card (free from your county board of registrars), U.S. passport, federal or state government-issued ID, student or employee ID from an Alabama college, or U.S. military ID. If you do not have one, you can get a free photo voter ID card from your county board of registrars.
- What if I was told I could not vote but my felony is not on the moral turpitude list?
- Before HB 282 was enacted in 2017, different counties applied the moral turpitude standard inconsistently, and many people were wrongly disenfranchised. If your felony is not on the current list, your voting rights were never validly taken away under current law. Contact the Alabama Secretary of State at (334) 242-7210 or the ACLU of Alabama to get help registering.
Take Action — Direct Links
- Alabama Secretary of State — Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude (Official List)
The official, up-to-date list of felonies involving moral turpitude that disqualify a person from voting in Alabama. Updated per Act 2024-341 to include 56 offenses.
- Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles — CERV and Pardons
Official page explaining the Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote (CERV) process, pardon applications, and voting rights restoration. Call (334) 353-7771 for assistance.
- ACLU of Alabama — Voting Rights Restoration
Comprehensive guide from the ACLU of Alabama explaining who can vote with a felony conviction, how to apply for a CERV, and which offenses require a pardon. Includes downloadable handouts.
- Alabama Secretary of State — Voter Information
Official voter information page. Check your voter registration status, find your polling place, and access voter registration forms.
- Campaign Legal Center — Alabama Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote
Explanation of the CERV process with links to the application form and additional resources for Alabama voters with felony convictions.
- Campaign Legal Center — Restore Your Vote (Alabama)
Interactive tool that walks you through Alabama's specific rules and helps determine if you are eligible to register to vote.
- Vote.gov — Voting After a Felony Conviction
Federal government resource with state-by-state information on voting rights after a felony conviction, including Alabama.
Video Guides
Sources
- Alabama Secretary of State — Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude
- Alabama Code § 17-3-30.1 — Disqualification of Electors for Felonies Involving Moral Turpitude
- Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles — Pardons and Restoration of Voting Rights
- ACLU of Alabama — Voting Rights Restoration
- ACLU of Alabama — Crimes of Moral Turpitude
- Brennan Center for Justice — Voting Rights Restoration Efforts in Alabama
- Campaign Legal Center — Alabama CERV
- ACLU — Alabama Governor Signed Bill to Restore Voting Rights (HB 282)
- US Vote Foundation — Alabama Voting Rights Restoration
- NCSL — Felon Voting Rights by State