When are voting rights restored in Illinois?

Illinois falls under the "Restored on release from prison" category. Voting rights are automatically restored upon release from incarceration. You can vote while on probation, parole, or mandatory supervised release.

How do I re-register to vote in Illinois?

Register online at ova.elections.il.gov, at your county clerk's office, or at many state agencies.

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

Yes, as long as you are not currently incarcerated for a felony. Your voting rights are automatically restored upon release from prison or jail. You can vote while on parole (mandatory supervised release), probation, or community supervision. There is no waiting period, no application, and no fees required.

How do I register to vote after being released from prison in Illinois?

Register online at ova.elections.il.gov (requires an Illinois driver's license or state ID). You can also register at your county clerk's office, local election authority, Secretary of State (DMV) office, public library, or many state agencies. Grace period registration allows you to register in person through Election Day.

What did SB 2090 change about voting in Illinois?

SB 2090, signed in 2021 and effective January 1, 2023, requires county jails to provide eligible detainees (those awaiting trial or serving misdemeanor sentences) with voter registration materials and the opportunity to vote by mail. It also requires correctional facilities to provide written notice of voting rights restoration upon release.

Can I vote while on probation in Illinois?

Yes. People on probation never lose their voting rights in Illinois. Probation is not incarceration, so the constitutional disqualification does not apply. You remain eligible to register and vote throughout your probation period.

What is the voter registration deadline in Illinois?

Online and mail-in registration must be completed at least 28 days before Election Day. However, Illinois offers grace period registration, which allows you to register in person at your county clerk's or election authority office through Election Day. Same-day registration is available during the grace period and on Election Day.

Can I vote early or by mail in Illinois with a felony record?

Yes. All registered voters in Illinois can vote early at designated locations (typically starting 40 days before Election Day) or by mail ballot. Request a mail ballot from your local election authority. There is no restriction based on felony history.

Will I be notified when my voting rights are restored in Illinois?

Yes. Under SB 2090 (effective 2023), correctional facilities are required to provide written notice of voting rights restoration to people upon release. You should receive information about your eligibility and how to register to vote as part of the release process.

Does an expungement or sealing affect my voting rights in Illinois?

An expungement or sealing is not necessary to restore voting rights in Illinois since rights are automatically restored upon release from incarceration. However, expungement or sealing can remove other barriers associated with a criminal record, such as those affecting employment, housing, and professional licensing.

Can Felons Vote in Illinois?

Restored on release from prison

Yes, you can vote in Illinois with a felony conviction as long as you are not currently in prison or jail serving a felony sentence. Your voting rights are automatically restored upon release. You can vote while on parole (mandatory supervised release), probation, or any form of community supervision. Register at ova.elections.il.gov.

Last updated: 2026-03-21

Overview

Illinois automatically restores voting rights when a person completes their sentence of incarceration for a felony conviction. Under the Illinois Constitution (Article III, Section 2), a person loses the right to vote only while 'imprisoned or on parole for the conviction of a felony' — but Illinois law has long interpreted this to mean that rights are restored upon release from incarceration, including for people on parole (mandatory supervised release). People on probation never lose their voting rights. In 2021, Governor Pritzker signed SB 2090, which requires county jails to provide voting access to eligible detainees and requires correctional facilities to provide voting rights information upon release. People in county jail awaiting trial or serving misdemeanor sentences retain the right to vote.

Quick Answer

Can vote

✓Released from state or federal prison (rights restored automatically upon completion of sentence)
✓On parole or mandatory supervised release
✓On probation (never lost voting rights for probation)
✓On conditional discharge or periodic imprisonment served in county jail
✓Sentence has been fully completed
✓Conviction has been expunged or sealed
✓Received a gubernatorial pardon
✓In county jail awaiting trial (pretrial detention)
✓In county jail serving a misdemeanor sentence
✓In county jail on a probation or supervision violation hold

Cannot vote

✗Currently serving a felony sentence in a state prison (IDOC facility)
✗Currently serving a felony sentence in a federal prison
✗Currently in county jail serving a felony sentence
✗Found mentally incompetent to vote by a court (unrelated to felony status)

Step-by-Step Process

Confirm your eligibility

You can vote if you are not currently serving a felony sentence in prison or jail. If you have been released — even if you are on parole (mandatory supervised release), probation, or community supervision — you are eligible. Contact the Illinois State Board of Elections at 217-782-4141 or your county clerk's office if you are unsure.

Register or re-register to vote

Register online at ova.elections.il.gov (requires an Illinois driver's license or state ID number). You can also register at your county clerk's office, local election authority, DMV (Secretary of State's office), public library, or many state agencies. If you are in county jail and eligible, jail staff must provide you an opportunity to register.

Meet the registration deadline

Online and mail-in registration must be completed at least 28 days before Election Day. In-person registration at your county clerk's or election authority office is available through Election Day (grace period registration). You can also register and vote on the same day during the grace period and on Election Day at your local election authority office.

Receive your voter registration card

After registering, your county clerk or election authority will mail you a voter registration card confirming your registration and polling place. If you do not receive it within 2-3 weeks, contact your local election authority.

Vote on Election Day, during early voting, or by mail

Vote in person at your assigned polling place on Election Day. Illinois offers early voting at designated locations (typically starting 40 days before Election Day). You can also vote by mail — request a mail ballot from your local election authority. If you are in county jail and eligible, you can request a vote-by-mail ballot.

Keep your registration current

Once registered, you stay registered unless you move, change your name, or are re-incarcerated for a felony. If you move within Illinois, update your registration with your new election authority. Check your registration status at ova.elections.il.gov.

Key Laws

Law	Year	Description
Illinois Constitution, Article III, Section 2	1970	Provides that 'a person convicted of a felony, or otherwise under sentence in a correctional institution or jail, shall lose the right to vote, which right shall be restored not later than upon completion of his sentence.' This is the constitutional basis for felony disenfranchisement and restoration in Illinois.
10 ILCS 5/3-5 — Disqualification from Voting	Amended periodically	The Election Code provision implementing the constitutional disqualification. Specifies that a person is not entitled to register or vote while serving a sentence of confinement in a penal institution. Rights are restored upon release from confinement.
SB 2090 — Voting in Jails and Voting Rights Upon Release	2021 (effective 2023)	Signed by Governor Pritzker in June 2021, effective January 1, 2023. Requires county jails to provide eligible detainees (those awaiting trial or serving misdemeanor sentences) with voter registration materials and the opportunity to vote by mail ballot. Also requires correctional facilities to provide written notice of voting rights restoration upon release.
730 ILCS 5/5-5-5 — Loss and Restoration of Rights	Amended periodically	Specifies that a person convicted of a felony is not eligible to vote while confined but that the right to vote is restored upon release. Aligns with the constitutional provision in Article III, Section 2.

Edge Cases

Can I vote if I am on parole (mandatory supervised release) in Illinois?

Yes. Although the Illinois Constitution mentions losing the right to vote while 'on parole,' Illinois law and practice have long restored voting rights upon release from incarceration, including for people on parole or mandatory supervised release. You can register and vote while on parole.

Can I vote from county jail in Illinois?

It depends on your status. If you are in county jail awaiting trial (pretrial detention) or serving a misdemeanor sentence, you can vote. Under SB 2090 (effective 2023), county jails must provide eligible detainees with voter registration materials and the opportunity to vote by mail. If you are serving a felony sentence in county jail, you cannot vote.

Can I vote if I have a federal felony conviction but live in Illinois?

Yes, as long as you are not currently incarcerated in a federal prison. Illinois law restores voting rights upon release from incarceration regardless of whether the conviction was state or federal. Once released, you can register to vote in Illinois.

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

No. Illinois does not require payment of fines, fees, or restitution as a condition of voting. Once you are released from incarceration for a felony, your right to vote is restored regardless of any outstanding financial obligations.

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

Yes, as long as you are not currently incarcerated for a felony. Illinois does not impose additional restrictions based on out-of-state convictions. If you are an Illinois resident and not currently incarcerated, you can register to vote.

What about people on electronic monitoring or home confinement in Illinois?

If you are on electronic monitoring or home confinement as a condition of supervision (such as probation or parole) and are not in a correctional facility, you are eligible to vote. The disqualification applies only while you are physically confined in a penal institution for a felony sentence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I vote in Illinois if I have a felony conviction?: Yes, as long as you are not currently incarcerated for a felony. Your voting rights are automatically restored upon release from prison or jail. You can vote while on parole (mandatory supervised release), probation, or community supervision. There is no waiting period, no application, and no fees required.
How do I register to vote after being released from prison in Illinois?: Register online at ova.elections.il.gov (requires an Illinois driver's license or state ID). You can also register at your county clerk's office, local election authority, Secretary of State (DMV) office, public library, or many state agencies. Grace period registration allows you to register in person through Election Day.
Do I need to pay any fines or fees before I can vote in Illinois?: No. Illinois does not require payment of fines, fees, or restitution as a condition of voting. Once you are released from incarceration, your right to vote is restored regardless of any outstanding financial obligations.
What did SB 2090 change about voting in Illinois?: SB 2090, signed in 2021 and effective January 1, 2023, requires county jails to provide eligible detainees (those awaiting trial or serving misdemeanor sentences) with voter registration materials and the opportunity to vote by mail. It also requires correctional facilities to provide written notice of voting rights restoration upon release.
Can I vote while on probation in Illinois?: Yes. People on probation never lose their voting rights in Illinois. Probation is not incarceration, so the constitutional disqualification does not apply. You remain eligible to register and vote throughout your probation period.
What is the voter registration deadline in Illinois?: Online and mail-in registration must be completed at least 28 days before Election Day. However, Illinois offers grace period registration, which allows you to register in person at your county clerk's or election authority office through Election Day. Same-day registration is available during the grace period and on Election Day.
Can I vote early or by mail in Illinois with a felony record?: Yes. All registered voters in Illinois can vote early at designated locations (typically starting 40 days before Election Day) or by mail ballot. Request a mail ballot from your local election authority. There is no restriction based on felony history.
Will I be notified when my voting rights are restored in Illinois?: Yes. Under SB 2090 (effective 2023), correctional facilities are required to provide written notice of voting rights restoration to people upon release. You should receive information about your eligibility and how to register to vote as part of the release process.
Does an expungement or sealing affect my voting rights in Illinois?: An expungement or sealing is not necessary to restore voting rights in Illinois since rights are automatically restored upon release from incarceration. However, expungement or sealing can remove other barriers associated with a criminal record, such as those affecting employment, housing, and professional licensing.
What if I was wrongly told I cannot vote because of my felony conviction?: Misinformation about felon voting rights is common. If you have been released from incarceration, you can vote in Illinois. Contact the Illinois State Board of Elections at 217-782-4141, your local election authority, the ACLU of Illinois, or Illinois Legal Aid Online at illinoislegalaid.org for confirmation.

Take Action — Direct Links

Illinois State Board of Elections — Online Voter Application
Illinois's official online voter registration portal. Register to vote, check your registration status, or find your polling place.
Illinois Legal Aid Online — Can I Vote if I Have Been Convicted of a Felony?
Plain-language legal information from Illinois Legal Aid Online about voting rights for people with felony convictions.
ACLU of Illinois — SB 2090: Voting in Jails
Information from the ACLU of Illinois about SB 2090, which requires county jails to provide voting access to eligible detainees.
Campaign Legal Center — Restore Your Vote (Illinois)
Interactive tool that walks you through Illinois's specific rules and helps determine your eligibility to register to vote.
US Vote Foundation — Illinois Voting Rights Restoration
Overview of Illinois voting rights restoration rules from the US Vote Foundation, including step-by-step registration guidance.
Lake County, IL — Know Your Rights: Voting with a Criminal Record (PDF)
Printable know-your-rights guide on voting with a criminal record, applicable across Illinois. Useful for reentry organizations.

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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 Illinois.

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Full dataset: NCSL Felon Voting Rights