Can Felons Vote in Nevada?
Yes, you can vote in Nevada with a felony conviction as long as you are not currently incarcerated in prison. Your voting rights are automatically restored upon release, and you can vote while on parole or probation. No documentation is required to prove restoration. Register at registertovote.nv.gov.
Last updated:
Overview
Nevada automatically restores voting rights upon release from prison for all felony convictions, regardless of the felony category. Since AB 431 was signed into law in 2019, people on parole and probation can vote. The restoration is immediate and automatic — no application, no waiting period, and no requirement to pay fines or restitution. Approximately 77,000 Nevadans became newly eligible when the law took effect on July 1, 2019. People only lose the right to vote while actually incarcerated in prison for a felony conviction.
Quick Answer
Yes, you can vote in Nevada with a felony conviction as long as you are not currently incarcerated in prison. Your voting rights are automatically restored upon release, and you can vote while on parole or probation. No documentation is required to prove restoration. Register at registertovote.nv.gov.
Can vote
- ✓Released from state or federal prison after a felony conviction
- ✓On state parole (any felony category)
- ✓On federal supervised release or federal parole
- ✓On probation (felony or misdemeanor)
- ✓Granted a pardon
- ✓In county jail or detention center awaiting trial (pretrial detention)
- ✓In county jail serving a misdemeanor sentence
- ✓Conviction has been sealed or pardoned
- ✓Completed sentence entirely (no remaining supervision)
- ✓Living in Nevada after a felony conviction in another state (not currently incarcerated)
Cannot vote
- ✗Currently incarcerated in a Nevada state prison for a felony conviction
- ✗Currently incarcerated in a federal prison for a felony conviction
- ✗Found mentally incompetent to vote by a court
Step-by-Step Process
Confirm your eligibility
You are eligible to vote if you are not currently incarcerated in state or federal prison for a felony. If you have been released from prison — regardless of whether you are on parole or probation — you can vote. Visit the Nevada Secretary of State's website at nvsos.gov for official eligibility information.
Register or re-register to vote
Register online at registertovote.nv.gov. You will need your Nevada driver's license or ID number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. You can also register in person at your county clerk or registrar of voters' office, at the DMV, or by mail using a voter registration application.
No documentation required
You do not need to provide any documentation or proof that your voting rights have been restored. The restoration is automatic upon release from prison. Simply complete the voter registration form — no discharge papers, court orders, or certificates are needed.
Meet the registration deadline
Voter registration closes 28 days before Election Day for online and mail registration. However, Nevada offers same-day voter registration — you can register and vote at any polling location or early voting site through Election Day.
Vote
Vote in person at your assigned polling place on Election Day, at any early voting location during the early voting period, or by mail. All active registered voters in Nevada receive a mail ballot. Return your mail ballot by mail (received by Election Day), at a ballot drop box, or at any polling location.
Verify your registration and track your ballot
Verify your voter registration status at nvsos.gov/votersearch. Track your mail ballot at the Secretary of State's ballot tracking tool. Once registered, you stay registered unless you move, change your name, or become ineligible. Update your registration if your address changes.
Key Laws
| Law | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| AB 431 — Automatic Restoration of Voting Rights Upon Release | 2019 | Assembly Bill 431, signed by Governor Steve Sisolak on June 7, 2019, automatically restores the right to vote to any person convicted of a felony upon release from prison. Eliminated the previous requirement to complete parole and probation before voting. Re-enfranchised approximately 77,000 Nevadans. Also restored the right to run for elective office and serve on criminal juries for certain felony categories after waiting periods. |
| NRS 213.157 — Restoration of Right to Vote and Civil Rights After Sentence Served | Amended 2019, 2020 | Nevada Revised Statutes 213.157 provides that a person convicted of a felony who is released from prison, placed on probation, or granted parole is immediately restored the right to vote. Other civil rights (holding office, serving on criminal juries) are restored on a tiered timeline after release. |
| Nevada Constitution, Article 2, Section 1 | 1864 (amended multiple times) | Establishes the qualifications for voting in Nevada, including the requirement to be a citizen, at least 18 years old, and a resident. The legislature has statutory authority to define the terms of felony disenfranchisement, which it exercised through AB 431. |
| AB 181 (2003) — Previous Restoration Framework | 2003 (superseded 2019) | Prior to AB 431, Nevada law under AB 181 required people convicted of Category A or B felonies involving violence to wait for rights restoration, while non-violent felons had rights restored upon discharge from probation or parole. AB 431 superseded this tiered system with automatic restoration upon release for all categories. |
Edge Cases
Do I need to show proof of release or discharge papers to register to vote?
No. Nevada law does not require any documentation to prove that your voting rights have been restored. You simply complete the voter registration form. The county clerk or registrar of voters will not ask for discharge papers, court orders, or certificates.
Can I vote if I am on parole for a Category A or B felony in Nevada?
Yes. AB 431 restored voting rights upon release for all felony categories, including Category A and B felonies. Your right to vote is restored regardless of the severity of your conviction. Note that other civil rights (holding office, serving on criminal juries) have longer waiting periods for these categories.
Can I vote if I have a federal felony conviction but live in Nevada?
Yes, as long as you are not currently incarcerated in federal prison. Nevada law restores voting rights for anyone released from prison regardless of whether the conviction was state or federal. Federal supervised release or federal probation does not affect your right to vote in Nevada.
What if I was convicted of a felony in another state but now live in Nevada?
If you are a Nevada resident and are not currently incarcerated for a felony, you can register to vote in Nevada. Nevada does not impose additional restrictions based on where the conviction occurred. Register at registertovote.nv.gov.
Can I vote from county jail or a detention center in Nevada?
It depends. If you are in county jail awaiting trial (pretrial detention) or serving a misdemeanor sentence, you retain the right to vote. Contact your county clerk or registrar to request a mail ballot. If you are in custody serving a felony sentence or awaiting transfer to state prison, you cannot vote.
Does Nevada require payment of fines or restitution before I can vote?
No. Nevada does not require payment of any fines, fees, or restitution as a condition of voting. Your right to vote is restored automatically and immediately upon release from prison, regardless of outstanding financial obligations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I vote in Nevada if I have a felony conviction?
- Yes, as long as you are not currently incarcerated in state or federal prison for a felony. Your voting rights are automatically restored upon release. You can vote while on parole, probation, or supervised release. No application, no waiting period, and no fees are required.
- How do I register to vote after a felony conviction in Nevada?
- Register online at registertovote.nv.gov using your Nevada driver's license or ID number (or the last 4 digits of your SSN). You can also register in person at your county clerk or registrar's office, at the DMV, by mail, or on Election Day at any polling location through same-day registration.
- What did AB 431 change about felon voting rights in Nevada?
- Before AB 431 passed in 2019, people convicted of certain felonies had to complete parole and probation before their voting rights were restored, and some categories required longer waiting periods. AB 431 eliminated all waiting periods and made restoration automatic upon release from prison for all felony categories, re-enfranchising approximately 77,000 Nevadans.
- Do I need any special documentation to register to vote after a felony?
- No. Nevada law explicitly does not require you to provide documentation or other evidence to prove that your voting rights have been restored. You simply complete a standard voter registration form.
- Does Nevada have same-day voter registration?
- Yes. If you miss the 28-day registration deadline, you can register and vote at any polling location or early voting site through Election Day. Bring a valid form of identification.
- Can I vote by mail in Nevada with a felony record?
- Yes. All active registered voters in Nevada automatically receive a mail ballot before each election. You do not need to request one separately. Return it by mail (must be received by Election Day), at a ballot drop box, or at any polling location.
- What other civil rights are restored after a felony conviction in Nevada?
- Under NRS 213.157, the right to vote and serve as a civil juror are restored immediately upon release. The right to hold office is restored four years after release, and the right to serve as a criminal juror is restored six years after release. These timelines apply to Category A and B felonies involving violence; other felonies see faster restoration.
- What if someone tells me I cannot vote because of my felony?
- Misinformation about felon voting rights is common. If you are not currently in prison for a felony, you have the right to vote in Nevada. Contact the Nevada Secretary of State at (775) 684-5705 or your county clerk or registrar of voters to confirm your eligibility.
- Can I run for public office in Nevada with a felony conviction?
- Yes, but there is a waiting period. Under NRS 213.157, the right to hold elective office is restored four years after release from prison for Category A and B felonies involving violence. For other felonies, the right may be restored sooner. Contact the Secretary of State's office for details specific to your situation.
- Will I be notified when my voting rights are restored?
- The Nevada Department of Corrections provides information about voting rights restoration upon release. However, there is no formal notification mailed to you. You can verify your eligibility and registration status at nvsos.gov/votersearch.
Take Action — Direct Links
- Nevada Secretary of State — Restoration of Voting Rights
Official state page explaining how voting rights are restored for people with felony convictions in Nevada, including eligibility rules and FAQs.
- Register to Vote Online (registertovote.nv.gov)
Nevada's official online voter registration portal. Register to vote, update your registration, or check your registration status.
- Nevada Voter Registration Search
Look up your voter registration status and confirm you are registered to vote in Nevada.
- Nevada Department of Corrections — Restoration of Civil Rights
Information from the Nevada Department of Corrections about civil rights restoration for people with felony convictions, including voting rights.
- Campaign Legal Center — Restore Your Vote (Nevada)
Interactive tool from the Campaign Legal Center that walks you through Nevada's specific rules and helps determine if you are eligible to register to vote.
- Clark County Elections — Voting Rights for Convicted or Detained Persons
Clark County (Las Vegas) information page on voter registration for people with felony convictions or who are currently detained.
- Brennan Center for Justice — Voting Rights Restoration Efforts in Nevada
Overview of Nevada's voting rights restoration history and policy landscape from the Brennan Center for Justice.
Video Guides
Sources
- Nevada Secretary of State — Restoration of Voting Rights in Nevada
- NRS 213.157 — Restoration of Right to Vote (2024 Nevada Revised Statutes)
- AB 431 (2019) — Full Text
- Campaign Legal Center — Felony Voting Rights Restoration in Nevada
- Brennan Center for Justice — Voting Rights Restoration Efforts in Nevada
- Nevada Current — Nevada Restores Voting Rights to Formerly Incarcerated
- Nevada Department of Corrections — Restoration of Civil Rights
- NCSL — Felon Voting Rights