When are voting rights restored in Hawaii?

Hawaii falls under the "Restored on release from prison" category. Voting rights are automatically restored upon release from incarceration, regardless of probation or parole status.

How do I re-register to vote in Hawaii?

Register online at olvr.hawaii.gov or at your county elections division.

Can I vote in Hawaii if I have a felony conviction?

Yes, as long as you are not currently incarcerated for a felony. Your right to vote is restored upon release from prison. You can vote while on parole, probation, or after completing your sentence. There is no waiting period, no application for restoration, and no fee.

How do I register to vote in Hawaii after a felony conviction?

Register online at olvr.hawaii.gov using your Hawaii driver's license or state ID number and Social Security number. If you don't have a Hawaii ID, submit a paper Voter Registration Application to your county elections division. You can also register in person at a voter service center during early voting or on Election Day.

Can I vote while on parole or probation in Hawaii?

Yes. Hawaii is one of the states that explicitly allows people on parole and probation to vote. HRS § 831-2 provides that people on probation or parole may register and vote during the period of supervision.

How does voting by mail work in Hawaii?

Hawaii conducts elections primarily by mail. Once registered, you automatically receive a mail ballot at your registered address before each election. You can return your ballot by dropping it at an official drop box or voter service center by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day. You can also vote in person at a voter service center during early voting or on Election Day.

What is the voter registration deadline in Hawaii?

Hawaii offers same-day voter registration at voter service centers during the early voting period and on Election Day. For online registration, check with your county elections division for specific deadlines. Same-day registration ensures you can register and vote even if you missed traditional deadlines.

Will anyone notify me when my voting rights are restored?

Hawaii does not have a formal notification system for voting rights restoration after release from incarceration. It is your responsibility to register to vote once you are released. Visit the Hawaii Office of Elections at elections.hawaii.gov or call your county elections division for assistance.

Does a pardon affect my voting rights in Hawaii?

A pardon from the Governor restores all civil rights. However, for voting purposes, a pardon is not necessary in Hawaii — your right to vote is already restored upon release from incarceration. A pardon may be valuable for other purposes such as clearing your record or restoring other rights.

Can I run for public office in Hawaii with a felony conviction?

Under HRS § 831-2, certain political rights may be lost during incarceration. Once released, many civil rights are restored. However, specific offices may have additional eligibility requirements. Consult with the Hawaii Office of Elections or legal counsel for guidance on specific offices.

What if I moved to Hawaii from another state and have a felony conviction?

If you are a Hawaii resident and not currently incarcerated for a felony, you can register to vote in Hawaii regardless of where your conviction occurred. Establish Hawaii residency, then register at olvr.hawaii.gov or at your county elections division.

Can Felons Vote in Hawaii?

Restored on release from prison

Yes, you can vote in Hawaii with a felony conviction as long as you are not currently incarcerated. You can vote while on probation, parole, or after completing your sentence. Register online at olvr.hawaii.gov or contact your county elections division.

Last updated: 2026-03-21

Overview

Hawaii restores voting rights upon release from incarceration. Under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 831-2, a person sentenced for a felony loses the right to vote only while incarcerated. Crucially, people on probation or parole can vote — the statute explicitly provides that if a person is placed on probation or is paroled after commitment to imprisonment, they may register and vote during the period of probation or parole. Hawaii conducts elections primarily by mail, and voter registration is available online at olvr.hawaii.gov. There is no waiting period, no application for rights restoration, and no fee.

Quick Answer

Can vote

✓Released from incarceration (even if recently released)
✓On parole after commitment to imprisonment
✓On probation (felony or misdemeanor)
✓Sentence fully completed
✓Received a pardon from the Governor
✓Convicted of a misdemeanor (misdemeanor convictions do not affect voting rights)
✓In jail or detention awaiting trial (pretrial detention — not yet convicted)

Cannot vote

✗Currently incarcerated in a state or federal prison for a felony conviction
✗Currently incarcerated in a county jail serving a felony sentence
✗Found mentally incapacitated and disqualified from voting by a court

Step-by-Step Process

Confirm your eligibility

You can vote if you are not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction. If you are on probation, parole, or have completed your sentence, you are eligible. Visit the Hawaii Office of Elections page on voters with a felony conviction at elections.hawaii.gov for official guidance.

Register to vote

Register online at olvr.hawaii.gov using your Hawaii driver's license or state ID number and Social Security number. If you do not have a Hawaii driver's license or state ID, you can complete a paper Voter Registration Application and submit it to your county elections division in person or by mail.

Meet the registration deadline

For online registration, the deadline is set by your county elections division (typically at least 30 days before Election Day for general elections). Hawaii also offers same-day voter registration — you can register and vote at a voter service center during the early voting period or on Election Day with proper identification.

Receive your ballot by mail

Hawaii conducts elections primarily by mail. Once registered, you will automatically receive a mail ballot at your registered address before each election. Review your ballot carefully and follow the instructions for marking and sealing it.

Return your ballot or vote in person

Return your completed mail ballot by dropping it off at an official ballot drop box or voter service center by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day. You can also vote in person at a voter service center during the early voting period (typically the 10 business days before Election Day) or on Election Day. Bring a valid photo ID if voting in person.

Track your ballot and stay registered

Track the status of your mail ballot online through the Hawaii Office of Elections website. Once registered, you remain registered as long as you keep your address current. If you move within Hawaii, update your registration at olvr.hawaii.gov or with your county elections division.

Key Laws

Law	Year	Description
Hawaii Revised Statutes § 831-2 — Rights Lost	1969 (amended 1979, 2002, 2003, 2006)	The primary statute governing voting rights loss and restoration for people with felony convictions. Provides that a person sentenced for a felony may not vote from the time of sentence until final discharge, but explicitly allows voting during probation or parole. Part of the Uniform Act on Status of Convicted Persons.
Act 253 (2006) — Voting Rights on Probation and Parole	2006	Amended HRS § 831-2 to clarify that people on probation or paroled after commitment to imprisonment may register and vote during the period of probation or parole. This amendment made explicit what had been implied — that only actual incarceration, not supervision, bars voting.
Hawaii Constitution, Article II, Section 2	1959 (amended)	Establishes the qualifications for voting in Hawaii, including U.S. citizenship, Hawaii residency, and age (18+). The constitution provides the framework under which the legislature defines specific disqualifications through statutes such as HRS § 831-2.
Hawaii Revised Statutes § 831-3 — Rights Retained	1969	Provides that except as otherwise specified, a person convicted of a crime does not lose civil rights or suffer civil death. This reinforces that conviction alone does not permanently strip rights — only the specific restrictions in § 831-2 apply during the period of incarceration.

Edge Cases

Can I vote while on parole in Hawaii?

Yes. Hawaii explicitly allows people on parole to register and vote. HRS § 831-2 provides that if a person is paroled after commitment to imprisonment, they may vote during the period of parole. You simply need to register (or re-register) to vote.

Can I vote while on probation for a felony in Hawaii?

Yes. Hawaii explicitly allows people on probation to vote. Whether you were sentenced to probation directly or placed on probation after serving time, you can register and vote during the period of probation.

Can I vote if I was convicted of a felony in another state but now live in Hawaii?

Yes, as long as you are not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction. If you are living in Hawaii and are no longer incarcerated (even if on supervision from another state), you can register to vote in Hawaii as a Hawaii resident. Hawaii does not impose additional restrictions based on out-of-state convictions beyond what its own law requires.

Can I vote from jail if I am awaiting trial in Hawaii?

Yes. If you are in jail awaiting trial (pretrial detention) and have not been convicted of a felony, you retain the right to vote. Contact your county elections division to request a mail ballot or get assistance with voter registration from the detention facility.

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

No. Hawaii does not require payment of fines, fees, or restitution as a condition of voting. Your right to vote is restored upon release from incarceration, regardless of any outstanding financial obligations. You can vote while on probation or parole even if you have unpaid fines.

What if I am incarcerated for a misdemeanor in Hawaii — can I still vote?

The statute specifically addresses felony sentences. A misdemeanor conviction does not disqualify you from voting in Hawaii. If you are serving a misdemeanor sentence, you should be able to register and vote, though you may need to coordinate with the facility and your county elections division for ballot access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I vote in Hawaii if I have a felony conviction?: Yes, as long as you are not currently incarcerated for a felony. Your right to vote is restored upon release from prison. You can vote while on parole, probation, or after completing your sentence. There is no waiting period, no application for restoration, and no fee.
How do I register to vote in Hawaii after a felony conviction?: Register online at olvr.hawaii.gov using your Hawaii driver's license or state ID number and Social Security number. If you don't have a Hawaii ID, submit a paper Voter Registration Application to your county elections division. You can also register in person at a voter service center during early voting or on Election Day.
Can I vote while on parole or probation in Hawaii?: Yes. Hawaii is one of the states that explicitly allows people on parole and probation to vote. HRS § 831-2 provides that people on probation or parole may register and vote during the period of supervision.
How does voting by mail work in Hawaii?: Hawaii conducts elections primarily by mail. Once registered, you automatically receive a mail ballot at your registered address before each election. You can return your ballot by dropping it at an official drop box or voter service center by 7:00 p.m. on Election Day. You can also vote in person at a voter service center during early voting or on Election Day.
Do I need to pay fines or fees before I can vote?: No. Hawaii does not require payment of fines, fees, or restitution as a condition of voting. Your right to vote is restored upon release from incarceration, regardless of any outstanding financial obligations.
What is the voter registration deadline in Hawaii?: Hawaii offers same-day voter registration at voter service centers during the early voting period and on Election Day. For online registration, check with your county elections division for specific deadlines. Same-day registration ensures you can register and vote even if you missed traditional deadlines.
Will anyone notify me when my voting rights are restored?: Hawaii does not have a formal notification system for voting rights restoration after release from incarceration. It is your responsibility to register to vote once you are released. Visit the Hawaii Office of Elections at elections.hawaii.gov or call your county elections division for assistance.
Does a pardon affect my voting rights in Hawaii?: A pardon from the Governor restores all civil rights. However, for voting purposes, a pardon is not necessary in Hawaii — your right to vote is already restored upon release from incarceration. A pardon may be valuable for other purposes such as clearing your record or restoring other rights.
Can I run for public office in Hawaii with a felony conviction?: Under HRS § 831-2, certain political rights may be lost during incarceration. Once released, many civil rights are restored. However, specific offices may have additional eligibility requirements. Consult with the Hawaii Office of Elections or legal counsel for guidance on specific offices.
What if I moved to Hawaii from another state and have a felony conviction?: If you are a Hawaii resident and not currently incarcerated for a felony, you can register to vote in Hawaii regardless of where your conviction occurred. Establish Hawaii residency, then register at olvr.hawaii.gov or at your county elections division.

Take Action — Direct Links

Hawaii Office of Elections — Voters with a Felony Conviction
Official state page explaining voting eligibility for people with felony convictions, including the right to vote on probation and parole.
Hawaii Online Voter Registration (olvr.hawaii.gov)
Hawaii's official online voter registration portal. Requires a Hawaii driver's license or state ID number and Social Security number.
Hawaii Office of Elections — Register to Vote
Comprehensive information on voter registration methods, deadlines, and requirements, including links to paper registration forms and county elections division contacts.
Campaign Legal Center — Restore Your Vote (Hawaii)
Interactive tool that walks you through Hawaii's specific rules and helps determine if you are eligible to register to vote after a felony conviction.
Vote.gov — Voting After a Felony Conviction
Federal resource with state-by-state information on voting rights after a felony conviction, including links to Hawaii-specific registration tools.
Hawaii Office of Elections — Voting Information
Official page with information on how to vote in Hawaii, including mail ballot procedures, voter service centers, early voting, and Election Day voting.

Sources

Disclaimer: Source: National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). Cross-reference: Campaign Legal Center. This is informational only, not legal advice. Laws change frequently. Verify current rules with your state election office or consult a qualified attorney in Hawaii.

← Connecticut

Back to all states

Illinois→

All states

ME VT DC AK CA CO CT HI IL IN MD MA MI MN MT NV NH NJ NM NY ND OH OR PA RI UT WA AR GA ID KS LA MO NE NC OK SC SD TX WV WI AL AZ DE FL IA KY MS TN VA WY

Full dataset: NCSL Felon Voting Rights