Can Felons Vote in Rhode Island?
Yes, you can vote in Rhode Island with a felony conviction 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 probation or parole. Register at your local board of canvassers, online at vote.ri.gov, or through the Department of Corrections upon release.
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Overview
Rhode Island automatically restores voting rights when a person is released (discharged) from incarceration for a felony conviction. Since a 2006 constitutional amendment approved by voters (Question 2), disenfranchisement is limited to the period of incarceration only — people on probation and parole can vote. The Rhode Island Department of Corrections provides voter registration forms as part of the release process. There is no waiting period, no application for restoration, and no financial obligations that must be met before voting.
Quick Answer
Yes, you can vote in Rhode Island with a felony conviction 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 probation or parole. Register at your local board of canvassers, online at vote.ri.gov, or through the Department of Corrections upon release.
Can vote
- ✓Released from incarceration after serving a felony sentence
- ✓On state or federal parole
- ✓On state or federal probation
- ✓Serving a suspended sentence
- ✓Given a deferred sentence or placed on community supervision
- ✓In county jail or ACI awaiting trial (pretrial detention)
- ✓Serving a misdemeanor sentence
- ✓Convicted of a felony but never sentenced to incarceration (probation-only sentence)
- ✓Conviction has been expunged or pardoned
- ✓Completed full sentence including all supervision
Cannot vote
- ✗Currently incarcerated for a felony conviction at the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) or a federal prison
- ✗Not a U.S. citizen
- ✗Not a Rhode Island resident
- ✗Under 18 years of age
- ✗Found to be non compos mentis by a court (mentally incompetent)
Step-by-Step Process
Confirm your eligibility
You can vote if you are not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction. If you are on parole, probation, a suspended sentence, or have been fully released, you are eligible. The Department of Corrections notifies the Secretary of State when you are discharged, and your eligibility is restored in the state system.
Register to vote
Register online at vote.ri.gov, by mail using a voter registration form, or in person at your local board of canvassers. The Department of Corrections provides voter registration forms as part of the release process. You can also register at the DMV, public assistance offices, or other state agencies.
Meet the registration deadline
You must register at least 30 days before an election to vote in that election. Rhode Island does not offer same-day voter registration. Make sure your registration is received by your local board of canvassers by the deadline.
Receive your voter card
After your registration is processed, your local board of canvassers will send you a voter registration card confirming your registration and providing your polling place information. Keep this card for your records.
Vote
Vote in person at your assigned polling place on Election Day. You will need to show identification — Rhode Island requires a photo ID or a non-photo ID with your name and address. If you cannot vote in person, you can apply for a mail ballot through your local board of canvassers or the Rhode Island Board of Elections.
Keep your registration current
Once registered, you stay registered as long as you remain at the same address. If you move within Rhode Island, update your registration with your new local board of canvassers. You can check your voter registration status at vote.ri.gov.
Key Laws
| Law | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Constitution, Article II, Section 1 (as amended 2006) | Amended 2006 | Originally, Rhode Island's constitution disenfranchised people with felony convictions while incarcerated, on parole, and on probation. In November 2006, Rhode Island voters approved a constitutional amendment (Question 2) that limited disenfranchisement to the period of incarceration only. People on probation and parole became eligible to vote. |
| Rhode Island General Law 17-9.2 — Restoration of Voting Rights Act | 2006 | Implementing legislation for the 2006 constitutional amendment. Establishes that voting rights are restored upon discharge from incarceration. Requires the Department of Corrections to act as a voter registration agency, provide written notification of rights restoration, and supply registration forms upon release. Requires monthly data sharing between DOC and the Secretary of State. |
| Question 2 (2006 Ballot Measure) — Restoration of Voting Rights | 2006 | A constitutional amendment placed on the November 2006 ballot through a bipartisan effort in the General Assembly. Approved by 51.5% of voters. The campaign was led by a coalition of community organizations including the Brennan Center for Justice, ACLU, and local reentry groups. It restored voting rights to approximately 15,000 Rhode Islanders on probation or parole. |
| Rhode Island General Law 17-9.2-3 — Judicial Notification Requirement | 2006 | Requires that before accepting a guilty plea or imposing a felony sentence, the court must notify the defendant that conviction will result in loss of the right to vote only during incarceration and that rights are restored upon discharge. This ensures defendants are informed of the limited scope of disenfranchisement. |
| SB 242 (2016) — Eliminating Financial Barriers (Delaware; for RI context: no financial bar) | 2006 | Rhode Island's 2006 law does not include any financial obligation requirement for voting rights restoration. Unlike some states, Rhode Island does not require payment of fines, fees, or restitution before a person can register to vote after release from incarceration. |
Edge Cases
Can I vote if I am on probation for a felony in Rhode Island?
Yes. Since the 2006 constitutional amendment, people on probation for a felony conviction can vote in Rhode Island. You only lose your right to vote while you are incarcerated. Register at your local board of canvassers or online at vote.ri.gov.
Can I vote if I am on parole in Rhode Island?
Yes. People on parole can vote in Rhode Island. The 2006 amendment removed parole as a disqualifying condition. You are eligible to register and vote as soon as you are released from incarceration, even if you are still under parole supervision.
I was convicted of a felony but only received probation — no prison time. Can I vote?
Yes. If you were convicted of a felony but were never sentenced to incarceration (e.g., you received probation only, a suspended sentence, or community service), you never lost your right to vote. You should already be registered, but verify your status at vote.ri.gov.
Can I vote if I have a federal felony conviction and live in Rhode Island?
Yes, as long as you are not currently incarcerated in a federal prison. Rhode Island's voting rights restoration applies to all felony convictions, state and federal. Once released from federal prison, you can register and vote in Rhode Island as a resident.
I am in the ACI awaiting trial. Can I vote?
Yes. If you are in the Adult Correctional Institutions (ACI) in pretrial detention and have not been convicted and sentenced for a felony, you retain your right to vote. Contact the board of canvassers in your municipality to request a mail ballot.
Will the Department of Corrections automatically register me to vote upon release?
The DOC is required to provide you with a voter registration form and written notification that your voting rights are restored as part of the release process. However, they do not automatically register you — you must complete and submit the form yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I vote in Rhode Island if I have a felony conviction?
- Yes, as long as you are not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction. Your voting rights are automatically restored upon release from prison. You can vote while on probation, parole, or any form of community supervision. This has been the law since Rhode Island voters approved a constitutional amendment in 2006.
- How do I register to vote after being released from prison in Rhode Island?
- Register online at vote.ri.gov, by mail, or in person at your local board of canvassers. The Department of Corrections provides voter registration forms as part of the release process. You can also register at the DMV, public libraries, or other state agencies. You must register at least 30 days before an election.
- Do I need to pay any fines or fees before I can vote in Rhode Island?
- No. Rhode Island 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 the 2006 constitutional amendment change?
- Before 2006, Rhode Island disenfranchised people with felony convictions while incarcerated, on parole, and on probation. The 2006 amendment (Question 2) limited disenfranchisement to the period of incarceration only. This restored voting rights to approximately 15,000 people who were on probation or parole at the time.
- Do I need a photo ID to vote in Rhode Island?
- Rhode Island requires voter identification at the polls. Acceptable forms include a Rhode Island driver's license, U.S. passport, or other government-issued photo ID. If you do not have photo ID, you can present a non-photo document showing your name and address (utility bill, bank statement, government correspondence, etc.) or cast a provisional ballot.
- Can I vote by mail in Rhode Island with a felony record?
- Yes. Any registered Rhode Island voter can apply for a mail ballot. Contact your local board of canvassers or the Board of Elections to request one. There is no distinction between voters with and without felony records for mail ballot purposes.
- Will the court tell me about my voting rights when I am sentenced?
- Yes. Rhode Island law (General Law 17-9.2-3) requires that before accepting a guilty plea or imposing a felony sentence, the court must notify you that conviction will result in loss of voting rights only during incarceration and that rights are restored upon discharge.
- What if I was wrongly told I cannot vote because of my felony record?
- Misinformation about felon voting rights is common. If you are not currently incarcerated for a felony, you have the right to vote in Rhode Island. Contact the Rhode Island Board of Elections at (401) 222-2345 or your local board of canvassers to confirm your eligibility.
- Can I run for office in Rhode Island with a felony conviction?
- Generally yes. Since your voting rights are restored upon release from incarceration, you are eligible to run for most public offices. However, certain offices may have additional eligibility requirements. You must be a registered voter to be a candidate.
- How does the Department of Corrections share information with election officials?
- Under General Law 17-9.2, the Department of Corrections must transmit monthly lists to the Secretary of State: one identifying persons who became ineligible to vote due to incarceration and another identifying persons whose rights were restored due to discharge. This keeps voter rolls updated automatically.
Take Action — Direct Links
- Rhode Island Board of Elections
Official state elections board with voter registration information, polling place lookup, election dates, and frequently asked questions.
- Register to Vote Online in Rhode Island (vote.ri.gov)
Rhode Island's official online voter registration portal. Register to vote, check your registration status, or update your information.
- Brennan Center for Justice — Voting Rights Restoration Efforts in Rhode Island
Overview of Rhode Island's 2006 voting rights restoration amendment, the campaign behind it, and its impact on voter participation.
- OpenDoors RI — Voting Rights
Community organization providing information about voting rights for people with criminal records in Rhode Island, including registration assistance.
- Campaign Legal Center — Restore Your Vote (Rhode Island)
Interactive tool that walks you through Rhode Island's specific voting rules and helps determine your eligibility to register to vote.
- Rhode Island Secretary of State — Restoration of Voting Rights Act Regulations
Official regulations implementing the Rhode Island Restoration of Voting Rights Act, including DOC responsibilities and voter registration procedures.
- ACLU — Rhode Island Clears Path to Restoring Felon Voting Rights
ACLU press release about the 2006 constitutional amendment restoring voting rights for people on probation and parole in Rhode Island.
Sources
- Rhode Island Board of Elections — Frequently Asked Questions
- Rhode Island Constitution, Article II — Of Suffrage
- Rhode Island General Law 17-9.2 — Restoration of Voting Rights Act
- Ballotpedia — Rhode Island Question 2, Restoration of Voting Rights Act (2006)
- Brennan Center for Justice — Voting Rights Restoration Efforts in Rhode Island
- ACLU — Rhode Island Clears Path to Restoring Felon Voting Rights
- Rhode Island Secretary of State — RIRVRA Regulations
- NCSL — Felon Voting Rights by State