Can Felons Vote in Kansas?
It depends on your current status. You can vote in Kansas with a felony conviction only after you have completed your entire sentence — including prison, probation or parole, and payment of all restitution. Once your sentence is complete, you receive a certificate of discharge and can re-register to vote at ksvotes.org or your county election office.
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Overview
Kansas restores voting rights to people with felony convictions upon completion of their entire sentence, including incarceration, probation, parole, and payment of all restitution. Under K.S.A. 21-6613 and the Kansas Constitution, a person convicted of a felony is ineligible to vote until they have completed the terms of their authorized sentence. Upon completion, the Kansas Prisoner Review Board issues a certificate of discharge that restores civil rights, including voting. Kansas treats all felonies the same for voting restoration — there is no distinction based on offense type. Unpaid court costs, fines, or restitution may prevent restoration.
Quick Answer
It depends on your current status. You can vote in Kansas with a felony conviction only after you have completed your entire sentence — including prison, probation or parole, and payment of all restitution. Once your sentence is complete, you receive a certificate of discharge and can re-register to vote at ksvotes.org or your county election office.
Can vote
- ✓Completed full sentence including incarceration, probation, and parole
- ✓Received a certificate of discharge from the Kansas Prisoner Review Board
- ✓Paid all restitution and court-ordered financial obligations
- ✓Received a pardon from the Governor
- ✓Conviction has been expunged under Kansas law
- ✓Convicted of a misdemeanor only (voting rights are not affected by misdemeanors)
- ✓In county jail awaiting trial (pretrial detention — not yet convicted of a felony)
- ✓Required to register as an offender (offender registration does not affect voting rights)
Cannot vote
- ✗Currently incarcerated in state or federal prison for a felony conviction
- ✗Currently on probation for a felony conviction
- ✗Currently on parole or post-release supervision for a felony conviction
- ✗Outstanding unpaid restitution from a felony conviction
- ✗Outstanding unpaid court costs or fines that are part of the sentence (verify with court)
- ✗Found mentally incompetent to vote by a court
Step-by-Step Process
Complete your entire sentence
You must complete all terms of your authorized sentence, including incarceration, parole, post-release supervision, and probation. You must also pay all court-ordered restitution. Your voting rights are not restored until every component of the sentence is satisfied.
Receive your certificate of discharge
Upon completion of parole or conditional release, the Kansas Prisoner Review Board will issue you a certificate of discharge. This document formally restores your civil rights, including the right to vote. Keep this certificate for your records, though it is not required to register.
Register to vote
Register online at ksvotes.org or through the Kansas Department of Revenue at kdor.ks.gov/Apps/VoterReg. You can also register in person at your county election office, by mail using a voter registration form, or at certain state agencies (DMV, social service offices). The registration form includes an affidavit attesting that your right to vote has been restored.
Meet the registration deadline
Your voter registration must be received by the county election officer at least 21 days before Election Day. Kansas does not offer same-day voter registration. Plan ahead to ensure your registration is processed in time.
Vote in person or by advance ballot
Vote in person at your assigned polling place on Election Day. You may also vote during the advance (early) voting period, which typically begins 20 days before Election Day. Alternatively, request an advance mail ballot from your county election office. Bring a valid photo ID when voting in person.
Verify your registration and stay informed
Check your voter registration status at myvoteinfo.voteks.org. Contact your county election office with any questions. Once registered, you remain registered unless you move, change your name, or become ineligible. Update your registration if your address changes.
Key Laws
| Law | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Constitution, Article 2, Section 5 | 1861 (amended) | States that 'No person convicted of a felony under the laws of any state or of the United States, unless pardoned or restored to his civil rights, shall be qualified to vote.' This is the constitutional basis for felon disenfranchisement in Kansas. |
| K.S.A. 21-6613 — Loss and Restoration of Civil Rights | Various amendments | Provides that a person convicted of a felony in any state or federal court is ineligible to register as a voter, vote, hold public office, or serve as a juror. These ineligibilities attach upon conviction and continue until the person has 'completed the terms of the authorized sentence.' Interpreted to include payment of court-ordered financial obligations. |
| K.S.A. 22-3717 — Parole and Post-Release Supervision | Various amendments | Governs the Kansas Prisoner Review Board's authority over parole and post-release supervision. Upon satisfactory completion of supervision, the Board issues a certificate of discharge that formally restores civil rights, including the right to vote. |
| Kansas Supreme Court — Offender Registration Does Not Affect Voting | Various rulings | The Kansas Supreme Court has held that offender registration (such as sex offender registration) is not punishment and therefore does not affect the right to vote. People required to register as offenders can vote once they have completed their sentence. |
Edge Cases
Can I vote if I am still on probation or parole in Kansas?
No. Kansas requires completion of your entire sentence, including probation and parole (post-release supervision), before your voting rights are restored. You must be fully discharged from all supervision before you can register to vote.
Do I need to pay all fines and restitution before I can vote?
Yes. Unpaid criminal fines, restitution, or court costs may make you ineligible to vote. The Kansas Secretary of State advises voters to verify with the court whether any amounts owed prevent the restoration of civil rights. If you are unsure, contact the sentencing court.
I am required to register as a sex offender. Can I still vote?
Yes. The Kansas Supreme Court has held that offender registration is not punishment and does not affect the right to vote. Once you have completed the terms of your authorized sentence, you can register to vote even if you are still required to register as an offender.
What if I was convicted of a felony in another state but now live in Kansas?
The same rules apply. Under K.S.A. 21-6613, the law covers convictions 'in any state or federal court.' If you have fully completed your out-of-state sentence (including all supervision and financial obligations), you can register to vote in Kansas.
What if I have a federal felony conviction?
The same rules apply. If you have completed your entire federal sentence — including incarceration, supervised release, and all financial obligations — your voting rights are restored under Kansas law and you can register to vote.
Can I vote from county jail in Kansas?
Only if you are in county jail awaiting trial (pretrial detention) and have not been convicted of a felony that currently disqualifies you. If you are in jail serving a felony sentence or on a probation/parole violation, you cannot vote. Eligible pretrial detainees should contact their county election office about advance voting or absentee ballots.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I vote in Kansas if I have a felony conviction?
- Yes, but only after you have completed your entire sentence. This includes serving your full term of incarceration, completing probation and parole (post-release supervision), and paying all restitution and court-ordered financial obligations. Once everything is complete, you can re-register to vote.
- How do I register to vote after completing my felony sentence in Kansas?
- Register online at ksvotes.org or through the Kansas Department of Revenue voter registration portal at kdor.ks.gov/Apps/VoterReg. You can also register in person at your county election office, by mail, or at certain state agencies. The registration form includes an affidavit attesting your right to vote has been restored.
- What is the certificate of discharge?
- Upon completion of parole or post-release supervision, the Kansas Prisoner Review Board issues a certificate of discharge. This document formally restores your civil rights, including the right to vote, hold office, and serve on juries. Keep it for your records, though you are not required to present it to register to vote.
- What is the voter registration deadline in Kansas?
- You must register at least 21 days before Election Day. Kansas does not offer same-day voter registration. Plan ahead and register as soon as you complete your sentence to ensure you are ready for the next election.
- Do I need a photo ID to vote in Kansas?
- Yes. Kansas requires a valid photo ID to vote in person. Acceptable forms include a Kansas driver's license, state ID, U.S. passport, military ID, or other government-issued photo ID. If you do not have a photo ID, you can get a free nondriver ID card from the Kansas DMV.
- Can I vote by mail in Kansas?
- Yes. You can request an advance (absentee) mail ballot from your county election office. The ballot must be returned by the deadline specified for that election. Contact your county election office or visit the Secretary of State's website for details.
- What if I completed my sentence but still have unpaid court costs?
- Unpaid court costs, fines, or restitution may prevent the restoration of your voting rights. Contact the sentencing court to determine whether any outstanding amounts affect your eligibility. If you are having difficulty paying, ask the court about payment plans or modification of financial obligations.
- Does an expungement restore my voting rights in Kansas?
- Yes. If your felony conviction is expunged under Kansas law, the legal effects of the conviction are removed, including the loss of voting rights. You can register to vote after an expungement.
- What if someone tells me I cannot vote because of my felony?
- If you have completed your entire sentence and all financial obligations, you have the right to vote in Kansas. Contact the Kansas Secretary of State's office at (785) 296-4561 or your county election office to confirm your eligibility. The ACLU of Kansas also provides assistance at aclukansas.org.
- Can I serve on a jury after a felony conviction in Kansas?
- Jury eligibility has stricter requirements than voting. Under K.S.A. 21-6613, you are ineligible to serve as a juror for at least 10 years after conviction, even after your sentence is complete. The voting right is restored upon sentence completion, but jury service has the additional 10-year minimum waiting period.
Take Action — Direct Links
- Kansas Secretary of State — Registering to Vote After Completing Felony Sentence
Official state page explaining how to register to vote after completing a felony sentence, including eligibility requirements and the registration process.
- KSVotes.org — Online Voter Registration
Simplified online voter registration portal for Kansas. Register to vote, update your registration, or check your registration status.
- Kansas Secretary of State — Voting & Felony Convictions Guide (PDF)
Official guide from the Kansas Secretary of State explaining voting rights, sentence completion requirements, and the registration process for people with felony convictions.
- ACLU of Kansas — Restore My Vote
Know-your-rights resource from the ACLU of Kansas explaining voting rights restoration, the registration process, and how to get help if you encounter barriers.
- Campaign Legal Center — Restore Your Vote (Kansas)
Interactive tool from the Campaign Legal Center that walks you through Kansas's specific rules and helps determine if you are eligible to register to vote.
- Kansas Voter Information — MyVoteInfo
Look up your voter registration status, find your polling place, and view your sample ballot for upcoming elections in Kansas.
Video Guides
Sources
- Kansas Secretary of State — Registering to Vote After Completing Felony Sentence
- K.S.A. 21-6613 — Loss and Restoration of Civil Rights
- Kansas Secretary of State — Voting & Felony Convictions Guide (PDF)
- ACLU of Kansas — Restore My Vote: Voting After a Felony in Kansas
- Collateral Consequences Resource Center — Kansas Restoration of Rights
- NCSL — Felon Voting Rights
- Campaign Legal Center — Restore Your Vote
- Ballotpedia — Voting in Kansas