Can Felons Vote in Arizona?

Overview

Arizona has a split system for restoring felon voting rights. First-time felony offenders have their voting rights automatically restored upon completion of their sentence, including probation or imprisonment and full payment of fines and restitution. People with two or more felony convictions must petition the Superior Court for restoration and generally must wait two years after absolute discharge from imprisonment before applying. Certain marijuana convictions may be expunged under Proposition 207 (2020), which also restores civil rights including voting. Arizona does not allow voting while incarcerated, on probation, or on parole for a felony (unless rights have been separately restored by court order for multiple offenders).

Quick Answer

It depends. If you have a single felony conviction in Arizona, your right to vote is automatically restored when you complete your sentence (including probation or prison) and pay all fines and restitution. If you have two or more felony convictions, you must petition the Superior Court for restoration of your civil rights, generally two years after your absolute discharge from imprisonment. You must re-register to vote once your rights are restored.

Step-by-Step Process

Key Laws

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I vote in Arizona with a felony conviction?

It depends on how many felony convictions you have and whether you have completed your sentence. If you have a single felony conviction and have finished your probation or prison term and paid all restitution, your voting rights are automatically restored. If you have two or more felonies, you must petition the Superior Court for restoration. In either case, you must re-register to vote.

How do I register to vote after my rights are restored?

Register online at azsos.gov or ServiceArizona.com, in person at your County Recorder's office, or by mailing a completed Arizona Voter Registration Form. You will need an Arizona driver's license or ID number, or the last four digits of your SSN, and your date of birth. The registration deadline is 29 days before Election Day.

Do I need to pay fines or restitution before I can vote?

Victim restitution must be paid in full before your voting rights can be restored (for both first-time and multiple offenders). General court fines and fees do not block automatic restoration for first offenders, but restitution is mandatory. If you are unsure about your restitution balance, contact the court that handled your case.

What is the difference between first-time and multiple felony offenders in Arizona?

First-time felony offenders have their civil rights, including voting, automatically restored upon completing their sentence and paying restitution (ARS 13-912). Multiple felony offenders must petition the Superior Court under ARS 13-905. For multiple offenders who served prison time, there is a two-year waiting period after absolute discharge before petitioning. Multiple offenders who completed probation (without prison) can petition immediately.

How do I petition the court for restoration if I have multiple felonies?

File an Application for Restoration of Civil Rights with the Superior Court in the county where you were convicted. Include your Certificate of Absolute Discharge from the Arizona Department of Corrections or the federal Bureau of Prisons. If you have felonies in multiple Arizona counties, you must file in each county separately. The court will review and respond in writing within 120 days.

Can I vote while on probation or parole in Arizona?

No. For first-time offenders, voting rights are restored only upon completion of probation or absolute discharge from imprisonment. For those currently serving probation or on community supervision (parole), the sentence is not yet complete and voting rights have not been restored.

What did Proposition 207 change for people with marijuana convictions?

Proposition 207 (2020) legalized recreational marijuana in Arizona and created a pathway to expunge prior marijuana convictions for offenses that are no longer crimes (possession of small amounts, personal cultivation, paraphernalia). Expungement under Prop 207 fully restores all civil rights, including voting and firearm rights. You must petition the original sentencing court.

Will the court notify me when my rights are restored?

For first-time offenders, the sentencing court is required to inform you at the time of sentencing that your rights will be automatically restored upon completion of your sentence. However, there is no separate notification after completion. It is your responsibility to confirm completion and re-register to vote. For multiple offenders who petition the court, you will receive written notice of the court's decision within 120 days.

Can I run for office in Arizona with a felony conviction?

You may run for office if your civil rights have been fully restored. However, some offices may have additional eligibility requirements. Note that restoration of civil rights under ARS 13-905 does not restore the right to possess firearms for certain dangerous offenses, but it does restore the right to hold public office and vote.

What if I was convicted of a felony in another state but now live in Arizona?

If you now reside in Arizona, your eligibility to vote is governed by Arizona law. If your out-of-state conviction is your only felony and you have completed your sentence and paid restitution, your voting rights are automatically restored. If you have multiple felony convictions (including out-of-state), you must petition the Superior Court in the Arizona county where you reside.