Can Felons Vote in Maryland?
Yes, you can vote in Maryland with a felony conviction as long as you are not currently incarcerated. Your voting rights are automatically restored upon release from prison. You can vote while on parole, probation, or mandatory supervision. The only exception is a conviction for buying or selling votes, which requires a gubernatorial pardon. Register or re-register at voterservices.elections.maryland.gov.
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Overview
Maryland automatically restores voting rights when a person is released from incarceration for a felony conviction. Since the legislature overrode Governor Hogan's veto of SB 340 in February 2016, people on probation, parole, or mandatory supervision can vote. The only people with felony convictions who cannot vote are those currently incarcerated and those convicted of buying or selling votes (who need a gubernatorial pardon). There is no waiting period and no application — you simply re-register to vote after release.
Quick Answer
Yes, you can vote in Maryland with a felony conviction as long as you are not currently incarcerated. Your voting rights are automatically restored upon release from prison. You can vote while on parole, probation, or mandatory supervision. The only exception is a conviction for buying or selling votes, which requires a gubernatorial pardon. Register or re-register at voterservices.elections.maryland.gov.
Can vote
- ✓Released from state or federal prison after serving a felony sentence
- ✓On parole or mandatory release supervision
- ✓On probation (felony or misdemeanor)
- ✓Completed your entire sentence, including all supervision
- ✓In jail awaiting trial (pretrial detention) — you have not been convicted
- ✓Serving a misdemeanor sentence in jail
- ✓Conviction has been expunged or pardoned
- ✓Convicted of a felony in another state but now a Maryland resident and not currently incarcerated
Cannot vote
- ✗Currently incarcerated in a state or federal prison for a felony conviction
- ✗Currently incarcerated in a local jail serving a felony sentence
- ✗Convicted of buying or selling votes (requires a gubernatorial pardon to restore rights)
- ✗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 incarcerated for a felony conviction. If you have been released from prison — even if you are still on parole, probation, or mandatory supervision — you are eligible. If you were convicted of buying or selling votes, you must obtain a gubernatorial pardon first.
Register or re-register to vote
Register online at voterservices.elections.maryland.gov using your Maryland driver's license or ID number. You can also register by mail using a voter registration application (available at elections.maryland.gov), in person at your local board of elections, or at an MVA (Motor Vehicle Administration) office, library, or social services agency.
Meet the registration deadline
Your voter registration must be received at least 21 days before Election Day for regular registration. If you miss this deadline, Maryland offers Same-Day Registration during early voting at early voting centers. You can register and vote on the same day during the early voting period.
Receive your voter notification
After registering, your local board of elections will mail you a voter notification card confirming your registration, your party affiliation, and your polling place. You will also receive a sample ballot before each election.
Vote
Vote in person at your assigned polling place on Election Day or at any early voting center in your county during the early voting period. You can also vote by mail — request a mail-in ballot through your local board of elections or online at elections.maryland.gov. Return it by mail (postmarked by Election Day) or drop it off at a ballot drop box.
Stay registered and track your ballot
Once registered, you remain registered unless you move, change your name, or want to change your party affiliation — in those cases, update your registration. Track your mail-in ballot at voterservices.elections.maryland.gov. Contact your local board of elections or the State Board at 1-800-222-8683 with any questions.
Key Laws
| Law | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Constitution, Article I, Section 4 | 1867 | Provides that a person convicted of an infamous crime (felony) shall not be entitled to vote unless pardoned or restored to the right of suffrage. This constitutional provision is implemented through state statute. |
| SB 340 / HB 980 — Voting Rights Restoration Upon Release | 2016 | Legislation restoring voting rights to people with felony convictions immediately upon release from incarceration, rather than requiring completion of all supervision including probation and parole. The General Assembly overrode Governor Hogan's veto on February 9, 2016, and the law took effect on March 10, 2016, restoring voting rights to approximately 40,000 Marylanders. |
| Maryland Election Law Article § 3-102 | Amended 2016 | Defines voter eligibility and disqualifications. A person is disqualified from registering to vote if they have been convicted of a felony and are currently serving a court-ordered sentence of imprisonment, or if they have been convicted of buying or selling votes. |
| SB 647 / HB 710 — Voting Rights for All Act (proposed) | 2025 (proposed) | Proposed legislation in the 2025 session that would repeal the provision disqualifying incarcerated felons from voting and require the State Board of Elections to establish a toll-free voter hotline for incarcerated individuals. As of early 2025, the bill was in committee consideration. |
Edge Cases
Can I vote if I was convicted of buying or selling votes?
No. Maryland law permanently disqualifies anyone convicted of buying or selling votes from registering to vote or voting. This is the only felony conviction in Maryland that is not automatically restored upon release from prison. To regain your voting rights, you must receive a full pardon from the Governor of Maryland.
Can I vote if I am on home detention or work release?
It depends. If you are still serving a court-ordered sentence of imprisonment (even if on home detention or work release as part of that sentence), you may not be eligible to vote. However, if you have been released from incarceration and are on parole or probation, you can vote. Contact your local board of elections or the DPSCS to clarify your specific status.
Can I vote if I have a federal felony conviction and live in Maryland?
Yes, as long as you are not currently incarcerated. Maryland law restores voting rights upon release from prison regardless of whether the conviction was in state or federal court. You can vote while on federal supervised release or federal probation.
Can I vote if I was convicted of a felony in another state but now live in Maryland?
Yes. If you are a Maryland resident and are not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction, you can register to vote in Maryland. Maryland does not impose additional restrictions based on out-of-state convictions beyond what its own law requires (release from incarceration).
Do I need to pay fines, fees, or restitution before I can vote?
No. Maryland 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.
I am in jail awaiting trial. Can I still vote?
Yes. If you are in jail awaiting trial and have not been convicted and sentenced for a felony, you retain the right to vote. Contact the jail staff or your local board of elections to request a mail-in ballot or to arrange to vote.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I vote in Maryland if I have a felony conviction?
- Yes, as long as you are not currently serving a court-ordered sentence of imprisonment for a felony conviction. Your voting rights are automatically restored upon release from incarceration. You can vote while on parole, probation, or mandatory supervision. There is no waiting period, no application, and no fee — simply register or re-register to vote.
- How do I register to vote after being released from prison in Maryland?
- Register online at voterservices.elections.maryland.gov using your Maryland driver's license or MVA ID number. You can also register by mail, in person at your local board of elections, at an MVA office, or at social services agencies. If you miss the 21-day deadline before an election, Maryland offers Same-Day Registration during the early voting period.
- What changed with the 2016 law (SB 340)?
- Before SB 340 took effect on March 10, 2016, Maryland required people with felony convictions to complete their entire sentence — including probation, parole, and mandatory supervision — before they could register to vote. SB 340 changed the law so that voting rights are restored immediately upon release from incarceration, even if you are still under supervision. The legislature overrode Governor Hogan's veto to enact this law.
- Do I need to pay any fines, fees, or restitution before I can vote?
- No. Maryland does not require payment of fines, fees, or restitution as a condition of voting. Once you are released from prison, your voting rights are restored regardless of any outstanding financial obligations.
- Can I vote while on parole or probation in Maryland?
- Yes. Since the 2016 law change, you can vote while on parole, probation, or any form of supervised release. You only lose the right to vote while you are incarcerated for a felony conviction.
- Will the prison or DPSCS notify me when my voting rights are restored?
- Yes. The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) provides information about voting rights restoration to individuals upon release. You may also receive voter registration forms. For more information, visit the DPSCS website at dpscs.maryland.gov or call the State Board of Elections at 1-800-222-8683.
- Can I vote by mail in Maryland with a felony record?
- Yes. Any registered Maryland voter can request a mail-in ballot. Request one online at elections.maryland.gov, by mail, by fax, or in person at your local board of elections. Your completed ballot must be postmarked by Election Day or dropped off at an official ballot drop box by 8 p.m. on Election Day.
- What if I miss the voter registration deadline?
- Maryland offers Same-Day Voter Registration during the early voting period. If you miss the 21-day registration deadline, visit any early voting center in your county during early voting to register and cast a ballot on the same day. Same-Day Registration is not available on Election Day itself.
- Can I run for office in Maryland with a felony conviction?
- Generally yes, if your voting rights have been restored. However, certain offices may have additional eligibility requirements. Consult the Maryland State Board of Elections or an attorney for specific guidance on the office you are considering.
- What if someone tells me I cannot vote because of my felony record?
- If you have been released from incarceration, you have the right to vote in Maryland (unless convicted of buying or selling votes). Misinformation about felon voting rights is common. Contact the State Board of Elections at 1-800-222-8683 or your local board of elections to confirm your eligibility. You can also contact the ACLU of Maryland for assistance.
Take Action — Direct Links
- Maryland State Board of Elections — Voter Registration
Official state page with information on how to register to vote, registration deadlines, and links to the online voter registration system.
- Maryland Online Voter Registration System (OLVR)
Maryland's official online voter registration portal. Requires a Maryland driver's license or MVA-issued ID card.
- DPSCS — Restoration of Voting Rights
Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services page explaining voting rights restoration for people with felony convictions, including information provided upon release.
- Maryland State Board of Elections — Restoration of Voting Rights
Official elections page explaining who is eligible to register after a felony conviction and the steps to restore voting rights.
- Maryland People's Law Library — Voting After a Criminal Conviction
Plain-language guide explaining Maryland's voting rights rules for people with criminal records, including eligibility, registration, and exceptions.
- Campaign Legal Center — Restore Your Vote (Maryland)
Interactive tool from the Campaign Legal Center that helps determine your voter eligibility based on your state and conviction history.
- ACLU of Maryland — Voting Rights
ACLU of Maryland's page on voting rights issues, including information about felony disenfranchisement and rights restoration.
Video Guides
Sources
- Maryland State Board of Elections — Voter Registration
- DPSCS — Restoration of Voting Rights
- Brennan Center for Justice — Voting Rights Restoration Efforts in Maryland
- Brennan Center for Justice — Voting Rights Restored to 40,000 Marylanders
- Maryland People's Law Library — Voting After a Criminal Conviction
- The Sentencing Project — Maryland Voting Rights
- NCSL — Felon Voting Rights by State
- Maryland General Assembly — SB 340 (2016)