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Can Felons Vote in Iowa?

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It depends on the offense. If you completed your sentence for a felony that is NOT a homicide offense under Iowa Code Chapter 707, your voting rights were automatically restored by Executive Order 7 (2020). If you were convicted of a Chapter 707 homicide offense (murder, manslaughter, vehicular homicide, feticide), you must apply individually to the Governor for restoration. Register at sos.iowa.gov or at your county auditor's office.

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Overview

Iowa relies on an executive order rather than legislation for felon voting rights restoration. Governor Kim Reynolds signed Executive Order 7 on August 5, 2020, automatically restoring voting rights for Iowans who have completed their felony sentences — with one major exception: people convicted of homicide offenses under Iowa Code Chapter 707 are excluded. Those individuals must apply individually to the Governor for restoration. Before Executive Order 7, Iowa was one of the most restrictive states in the country, requiring all felons to petition the Governor individually. The executive order is not codified in statute and could theoretically be revoked by a future governor.

Quick Answer

It depends on the offense. If you completed your sentence for a felony that is NOT a homicide offense under Iowa Code Chapter 707, your voting rights were automatically restored by Executive Order 7 (2020). If you were convicted of a Chapter 707 homicide offense (murder, manslaughter, vehicular homicide, feticide), you must apply individually to the Governor for restoration. Register at sos.iowa.gov or at your county auditor's office.

Can vote

  • ✓Completed sentence (incarceration, probation, parole, and special sentence) for a non-homicide felony
  • ✓Received individual restoration from the Governor after a Chapter 707 homicide conviction
  • ✓Convicted of a misdemeanor (misdemeanors do not affect voting rights)
  • ✓In jail awaiting trial (pretrial detention) — not yet convicted
  • ✓Received a gubernatorial pardon

Cannot vote

  • ✗Currently incarcerated for any felony conviction
  • ✗On probation, parole, or special sentence for any felony conviction
  • ✗Convicted of a felony homicide offense under Iowa Code Chapter 707 and have not received individual restoration from the Governor
  • ✗Have not yet fully discharged sentence, including any supervised release

Step-by-Step Process

1

Determine your eligibility

Check whether your felony conviction involved a Chapter 707 homicide offense (murder in the first degree, murder in the second degree, voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter, homicide or serious injury by vehicle, feticide, or nonconsensual termination of a human pregnancy). If it did NOT involve a Chapter 707 offense, your rights are automatically restored upon sentence completion. Use the Restore Your Vote tool at restoreyourvote.iowa.gov to check your eligibility.

2

Confirm your sentence is fully discharged

Your sentence must be fully discharged, meaning you have completed incarceration, probation, parole, and any special sentence. The Iowa Department of Corrections can confirm your discharge status. Contact them at (515) 725-5701 or visit doc.iowa.gov.

3

Register to vote (non-homicide felonies)

If your felony was not a Chapter 707 offense and your sentence is fully discharged, register to vote online at sos.iowa.gov, at your county auditor's office, or by mail. You do not need to apply to the Governor or submit any special paperwork — your rights were automatically restored by Executive Order 7.

4

Apply for individual restoration (Chapter 707 homicide felonies only)

If your conviction was under Chapter 707, you must apply to the Governor for individual restoration of voting rights. Download the application from the Governor's website at governor.iowa.gov/services/voting-rights-restoration. You must have discharged your sentence, be current on any court-ordered restitution, fines, or costs (or have an approved payment plan), and provide required documentation.

5

Meet voter registration deadlines

Iowa requires voter registration at least 15 days before Election Day for pre-registration (10 days before Election Day if registering online or by mail). Iowa also offers same-day voter registration on Election Day at your polling place — bring proof of identity and residency.

6

Vote and stay informed

Vote in person at your assigned polling place on Election Day, during the early voting period at your county auditor's office, or by absentee ballot (request at sos.iowa.gov). Because Executive Order 7 is not codified in statute, stay informed about any changes to the law that could affect your rights.

Key Laws

LawYearDescription
Executive Order 7 (Governor Kim Reynolds)2020Signed August 5, 2020, this executive order automatically and prospectively restores voting rights to Iowans who have completed their felony sentences, except for those convicted of felony homicide offenses under Iowa Code Chapter 707. It replaced Iowa's previous system, which required all felons to individually petition the Governor. The order is not codified in statute and could be revoked by a future governor.
Iowa Constitution, Article II, Section 51857Provides that a person convicted of an 'infamous crime' shall not be entitled to the privilege of an elector. The Iowa Supreme Court has interpreted this to include all felonies. The Governor's power to restore rights comes from the pardoning authority in the state constitution.
Iowa Code Chapter 707 — Homicide and Related CrimesVariousDefines the homicide offenses that are excluded from Executive Order 7's automatic restoration. Includes: murder in the first degree (§ 707.2), murder in the second degree (§ 707.3), voluntary manslaughter (§ 707.4), involuntary manslaughter (§ 707.5), homicide or serious injury by vehicle (§ 707.6A), feticide (§ 707.7), nonconsensual termination of a human pregnancy (§ 707.8-707.11), and attempted murder (§ 707.11).
Iowa Code § 48A.6 — Disqualification of VotersVarious amendmentsEstablishes that a person convicted of a felony is disqualified from registering to vote unless the person's voting rights have been restored by the Governor. This is the statutory basis for felon disenfranchisement in Iowa.

Edge Cases

Executive Order 7 is not a law. Could a future governor revoke it?

Yes. Executive Order 7 is an exercise of the Governor's constitutional pardoning power, not a statute passed by the legislature. A future governor could revoke or modify the order, potentially re-disenfranchising people whose rights were restored. Multiple attempts to codify voting rights restoration into Iowa statute have not been successful as of 2026.

I was convicted of vehicular homicide (Iowa Code § 707.6A). Am I excluded from automatic restoration?

Yes. Vehicular homicide falls under Chapter 707 and is excluded from Executive Order 7's automatic restoration. You must apply individually to the Governor for restoration of voting rights after completing your sentence.

I was convicted of attempted murder. Am I excluded?

Yes. Attempted murder falls under Chapter 707 and is excluded from Executive Order 7. You must apply individually to the Governor for restoration of your voting rights.

I have a federal felony conviction but live in Iowa. Does Executive Order 7 apply to me?

Yes. Executive Order 7 applies to any person convicted of a felony, including federal convictions, as long as the conviction is not for a Chapter 707 homicide offense (which is a state-specific code). If your federal felony is not a homicide offense, your voting rights are automatically restored upon completion of your sentence while residing in Iowa.

I was convicted of a felony in another state. Does Executive Order 7 apply?

Yes. If you are an Iowa resident and your out-of-state conviction is not for a homicide offense equivalent to Iowa Code Chapter 707, your voting rights should be automatically restored upon completion of your sentence. If there is ambiguity about whether your offense qualifies, contact the Governor's office or the Iowa Secretary of State at (515) 281-0145.

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

For non-homicide felonies, Executive Order 7 requires that you have 'discharged' your sentence. If outstanding fines or restitution are conditions of your probation or parole and your supervision has not been terminated, you may not yet be eligible. Once your sentence is fully discharged (all supervision completed), unpaid fines alone should not block your registration. For Chapter 707 applicants, you must be current on payment of court costs, restitution, and fines (or on an approved payment plan).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I vote in Iowa if I have a felony conviction?
It depends on the offense and whether you have completed your sentence. If your felony was NOT a homicide offense under Iowa Code Chapter 707, your voting rights are automatically restored upon completion of your entire sentence (incarceration, probation, parole, and special sentence) under Executive Order 7. If your conviction was for a Chapter 707 homicide offense, you must apply individually to the Governor.
What is Executive Order 7?
Executive Order 7 was signed by Governor Kim Reynolds on August 5, 2020. It automatically restores voting rights to Iowans who have completed their felony sentences, except for those convicted of homicide offenses under Iowa Code Chapter 707. Before this order, Iowa required all felons to individually petition the Governor for restoration, making it one of the most restrictive states.
What offenses are excluded from Executive Order 7?
Felony convictions under Iowa Code Chapter 707 ('Homicide and Related Crimes') are excluded. This includes: murder in the first degree, murder in the second degree, voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter, homicide or serious injury by vehicle, feticide, nonconsensual termination of a human pregnancy, and attempted murder.
How do I register to vote after my sentence is completed?
Register online at sos.iowa.gov, at your county auditor's office, or by mail. Iowa also offers same-day voter registration on Election Day. You will need to provide your name, address, date of birth, and Iowa driver's license number or the last 4 digits of your SSN.
How do I apply for individual restoration if I have a Chapter 707 conviction?
Download the application from the Governor's website at governor.iowa.gov/services/voting-rights-restoration. You must have completed your sentence, be current on court costs, restitution, and fines (or have an approved payment plan), and submit the required documentation. The Governor makes all final decisions on individual restorations.
Can I vote while on probation or parole?
No. In Iowa, you must complete your entire sentence, including incarceration, probation, parole, and any special sentence, before your voting rights can be restored. Being on active supervision disqualifies you from voting.
Is Executive Order 7 permanent?
No. Executive Order 7 is an exercise of the Governor's pardoning power, not a statute. A future governor could revoke or modify the order. Multiple efforts to codify voting rights restoration into Iowa law have not succeeded as of 2026. However, the current executive order remains in effect.
What if I was convicted before August 5, 2020?
Executive Order 7 applies both prospectively and retrospectively. If you completed your sentence before August 5, 2020, your rights were automatically restored on that date (assuming your conviction was not a Chapter 707 offense). You do not need to take any action other than registering to vote.
Can I vote by absentee ballot?
Yes. Any registered Iowa voter can request an absentee ballot. Request one online at sos.iowa.gov, by mail, or at your county auditor's office. Your completed ballot must be received by the county auditor by the time the polls close on Election Day.
Where can I get help determining my eligibility?
Use the Restore Your Vote tool at restoreyourvote.iowa.gov, contact the Iowa Secretary of State at (515) 281-0145, visit your county auditor's office, or reach the Iowa Department of Corrections at (515) 725-5701. The Campaign Legal Center also offers an interactive tool at campaignlegal.org/restoreyourvote.

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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 Iowa.
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Full dataset: NCSL Felon Voting Rights