When are voting rights restored in Ohio?

Ohio 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 post-release control.

How do I re-register to vote in Ohio?

Register online at olvr.ohiosos.gov, at your county board of elections, or at many state agencies.

Are there exceptions to voting rights restoration in Ohio?

Persons convicted of two or more election law violations are permanently disenfranchised.

Can I vote in Ohio 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. You can vote while on parole, post-release control, community control, or probation. The only exception is that people convicted of two or more Ohio election law violations are permanently barred.

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

Your voter registration was canceled during incarceration, so you must re-register. Register online at olvr.ohiosos.gov (requires an Ohio driver's license or ID). You can also register at your county board of elections, public library, BMV, or many state agencies. Registration must be completed at least 30 days before Election Day.

What is post-release control, and can I vote while on it?

Post-release control is a period of supervision by the Adult Parole Authority after release from prison, similar to parole. Yes, you can vote while on post-release control. Ohio law specifically restores your competence to be an elector when you are placed on a post-release control sanction.

What is the voter registration deadline in Ohio?

You must register or update your registration at least 30 days before Election Day. Ohio does not offer same-day registration. Plan ahead and register well before the election to ensure you can vote.

Can I vote early or by absentee ballot in Ohio with a felony record?

Yes. All registered voters in Ohio can vote early in person at their county board of elections (typically starting 28 days before Election Day) or request an absentee ballot by mail. There is no restriction on early or absentee voting based on felony history.

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

Ohio law requires the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction to provide information about voting rights restoration upon release. You should receive materials explaining your eligibility to register to vote. You can also contact the Ohio Secretary of State at 1-877-767-6446 for confirmation.

What if I was convicted in another state but live in Ohio?

If you live in Ohio and are not currently incarcerated for a felony, you can register to vote in Ohio regardless of where your conviction occurred. Ohio does not impose additional restrictions based on out-of-state convictions.

Can I run for office in Ohio with a felony conviction?

Generally, your right to hold office is restored upon release from incarceration under the same statute (ORC 2961.01) that restores voting rights. However, some offices may have additional eligibility requirements. Full restoration of all civil rights occurs upon final discharge from all supervision.

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 Ohio (unless you have two or more election law convictions). Contact the Ohio Secretary of State at 1-877-767-6446 or your county board of elections to confirm your eligibility.

Can Felons Vote in Ohio?

Restored on release from prison

Yes, you can vote in Ohio 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, post-release control, probation, or community control. You must re-register to vote since your registration is canceled upon incarceration. Register at olvr.ohiosos.gov.

Last updated: 2026-03-21

Overview

Ohio automatically restores voting rights when a person is released from incarceration for a felony conviction. People on parole, post-release control, probation, or community control can vote. Under Ohio Revised Code Section 2961.01, a person's competence to be an elector is restored upon release from incarceration, including when granted parole, judicial release, or placed on a community control or post-release control sanction. The only exception is that persons convicted of two or more violations of Ohio's election laws (Title XXXV of the Revised Code) are permanently barred from voting.

Quick Answer

Can vote

✓Released from state or federal prison (rights restored automatically upon release)
✓On parole (competent to be an elector during parole period)
✓On post-release control
✓On community control (probation equivalent in Ohio)
✓Granted judicial release
✓Received a conditional pardon
✓Conviction has been reversed or set aside
✓Received a full pardon (restores all forfeited rights)
✓In county jail awaiting trial (pretrial detention)
✓In county jail serving a misdemeanor sentence
✓Sentence has been fully completed (final discharge)

Cannot vote

✗Currently incarcerated in a state or federal prison for a felony conviction
✗Currently in a county jail serving a felony sentence
✗Convicted of two or more violations of Ohio election laws (Title XXXV) — permanently barred
✗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 and have not been convicted of two or more Ohio election law violations. If you have been released from prison — even if you are on parole, post-release control, or community control — you are eligible. Contact the Ohio Secretary of State at 1-877-767-6446 or your county board of elections if you are unsure.

Re-register to vote

Your voter registration was canceled when you were incarcerated, so you must re-register. Register online at olvr.ohiosos.gov (requires an Ohio driver's license or ID number). You can also register by mail using a voter registration form available from your county board of elections, or in person at your county board of elections, public library, BMV, or many state agencies.

Meet the registration deadline

Your voter registration must be received or postmarked at least 30 days before Election Day. Ohio does not offer same-day voter registration. Plan ahead and register well before the election.

Receive your voter confirmation

After registering, your county board of elections will mail you a voter confirmation notice with your registration details and polling location. If you do not receive confirmation within 2-3 weeks, contact your county board of elections.

Vote on Election Day or during early voting

Vote in person at your assigned polling place on Election Day, or vote early in person at your county board of elections during the early voting period (typically starting 28 days before Election Day). You can also request an absentee ballot by mail from your county board of elections.

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 Ohio, update your registration with your new county board of elections. Check your registration status at the Secretary of State's voter lookup tool at ohiosos.gov.

Key Laws

Law	Year	Description
Ohio Revised Code Section 2961.01 — Civil Rights of Convicted Felons	Amended periodically	The primary statute governing voting rights for people with felony convictions. Provides that a person convicted of a felony is incompetent to be an elector while incarcerated, but competence is restored upon release (parole, judicial release, conditional pardon, community control, or post-release control). Full rights are also restored upon final discharge.
Ohio Constitution, Article V, Section 4	1851	The state constitution provides that the General Assembly may exclude from the right of suffrage persons convicted of felony. This constitutional provision delegates to the legislature the authority to define the scope and conditions of felony disenfranchisement.
Ohio Revised Code Section 3503.21 — Cancellation of Registration	Amended periodically	Requires county boards of elections to cancel the voter registration of any person upon receipt of information that the person has been convicted of a felony and is currently incarcerated. This is the mechanism by which voting rights are suspended during incarceration and why re-registration is required after release.
Ohio Revised Code Title XXXV — Elections (Two-Conviction Bar)	Amended periodically	Under Section 2961.01, a person convicted of two or more violations of any provision of Title XXXV (Ohio's election laws) is permanently barred from registering to vote and from voting in Ohio. This is the only category of felony conviction that results in permanent disenfranchisement.

Edge Cases

Can I vote if I am on post-release control in Ohio?

Yes. Under Ohio Revised Code Section 2961.01, your competence to be an elector is restored when you are released under a post-release control sanction. You can register and vote while on post-release control.

What happens if I have two election law convictions in Ohio?

If you have been convicted of two or more violations of any provision of Title XXXV of the Ohio Revised Code (election laws), you are permanently barred from voting in Ohio. This is the only category of permanent disenfranchisement in the state. A full gubernatorial pardon may be the only path to restoration.

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

Yes, as long as you are not currently incarcerated in a federal prison. Ohio 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 Ohio.

Can I vote from county jail in Ohio if I am awaiting trial?

Yes. If you are in county jail awaiting trial (pretrial detention), you have not been convicted and retain the right to vote. You can request an absentee ballot through your county board of elections. Contact the board at least 3 days before the election to request a ballot.

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

No. Ohio 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.

Can I serve on a jury with a felony conviction in Ohio?

Jury service and voting have different rules. While voting rights are restored upon release from incarceration, the right to serve as a juror follows the same statutory framework under ORC 2961.01 — it is restored during the period of supervision and upon final discharge. However, local practice may vary, so check with your county clerk of courts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I vote in Ohio 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. You can vote while on parole, post-release control, community control, or probation. The only exception is that people convicted of two or more Ohio election law violations are permanently barred.
How do I register to vote after being released from prison in Ohio?: Your voter registration was canceled during incarceration, so you must re-register. Register online at olvr.ohiosos.gov (requires an Ohio driver's license or ID). You can also register at your county board of elections, public library, BMV, or many state agencies. Registration must be completed at least 30 days before Election Day.
Do I need to pay any fines or fees before I can vote in Ohio?: No. Ohio 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 is post-release control, and can I vote while on it?: Post-release control is a period of supervision by the Adult Parole Authority after release from prison, similar to parole. Yes, you can vote while on post-release control. Ohio law specifically restores your competence to be an elector when you are placed on a post-release control sanction.
What is the voter registration deadline in Ohio?: You must register or update your registration at least 30 days before Election Day. Ohio does not offer same-day registration. Plan ahead and register well before the election to ensure you can vote.
Can I vote early or by absentee ballot in Ohio with a felony record?: Yes. All registered voters in Ohio can vote early in person at their county board of elections (typically starting 28 days before Election Day) or request an absentee ballot by mail. There is no restriction on early or absentee voting based on felony history.
Will I be notified when my voting rights are restored in Ohio?: Ohio law requires the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction to provide information about voting rights restoration upon release. You should receive materials explaining your eligibility to register to vote. You can also contact the Ohio Secretary of State at 1-877-767-6446 for confirmation.
What if I was convicted in another state but live in Ohio?: If you live in Ohio and are not currently incarcerated for a felony, you can register to vote in Ohio regardless of where your conviction occurred. Ohio does not impose additional restrictions based on out-of-state convictions.
Can I run for office in Ohio with a felony conviction?: Generally, your right to hold office is restored upon release from incarceration under the same statute (ORC 2961.01) that restores voting rights. However, some offices may have additional eligibility requirements. Full restoration of all civil rights occurs upon final discharge from all supervision.
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 Ohio (unless you have two or more election law convictions). Contact the Ohio Secretary of State at 1-877-767-6446 or your county board of elections to confirm your eligibility.

Take Action — Direct Links

Ohio Secretary of State — Restore Your Right to Vote
Official state page explaining voting rights restoration for people with felony convictions, including eligibility rules and how to re-register after release.
Ohio Online Voter Registration (OLVR)
Ohio's official online voter registration portal. Requires an Ohio driver's license or state ID number.
Ohio Secretary of State — Find Your County Board of Elections
Directory of all 88 county boards of elections in Ohio with addresses, phone numbers, and websites.
Campaign Legal Center — Restore Your Vote (Ohio)
Interactive tool that walks you through Ohio's specific rules and helps determine your eligibility to register to vote.
Ohio Secretary of State — Voting Rights Restoration Card (PDF)
Printable card from the Ohio Secretary of State summarizing voting rights restoration rules for people with felony convictions.
Cuyahoga County Office of Reentry — Voter Information
Voter registration information and assistance specifically for people reentering the community after incarceration in Cuyahoga County (Cleveland area).

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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 Ohio.

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Full dataset: NCSL Felon Voting Rights