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Can Felons Vote in Utah?

Restored on release from prison

Yes, you can vote in Utah 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 probation or parole. Register or re-register at vote.utah.gov.

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Overview

Utah automatically restores voting rights when a person with a felony conviction is released from incarceration, placed on probation, or placed on parole. Under Utah Code 20A-2-101.5, the only time a person loses the right to vote is while they are actually incarcerated in a state or federal prison for a felony conviction. There is no waiting period after release, no application to file, and no fines or fees that must be paid before registering. People on probation or parole can vote. Utah uses a vote-by-mail system, so re-registering and casting a ballot is straightforward.

Quick Answer

Yes, you can vote in Utah 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 probation or parole. Register or re-register at vote.utah.gov.

Can vote

  • Released from state or federal prison after serving a felony sentence
  • On state parole
  • On federal supervised release or federal parole
  • On probation (felony or misdemeanor)
  • Sentenced to probation without any prison time
  • In county jail awaiting trial (pretrial detention)
  • In county jail serving a misdemeanor sentence
  • Conviction has been expunged or pardoned
  • Completed sentence entirely (no remaining supervision)

Cannot vote

  • Currently incarcerated in a state prison for a felony conviction
  • Currently incarcerated in a federal prison for a felony conviction
  • Awaiting sentencing after a felony conviction (between conviction and sentencing)
  • Found mentally incompetent to vote by a court

Step-by-Step Process

1

Confirm your eligibility

You are eligible to vote if you are not currently incarcerated in state or federal prison for a felony. If you are on probation, parole, or have completed your sentence, you can vote. Check your status with the Utah Board of Pardons and Parole if you are unsure.

2

Register to vote online

Register or re-register at vote.utah.gov. You will need your Utah driver's license or state ID number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. You can also register in person at your county clerk's office or at a voter registration drive.

3

Meet the registration deadline

Online and mail-in registration must be completed at least 11 days before Election Day. If you miss this deadline, you can register in person at your county clerk's office up to and including Election Day (same-day registration is available in Utah).

4

Receive your ballot by mail

Utah is a vote-by-mail state. Once registered, you will automatically receive a ballot in the mail before each election. Your county clerk's office will also send you a voter information pamphlet with details about candidates and ballot measures.

5

Cast your vote

Complete your mail ballot and return it by mail (postmarked by the day before Election Day), at a ballot drop box, or at a vote center on or before Election Day. You may also vote in person at a vote center in your county during the early voting period or on Election Day.

6

Track your ballot and stay registered

Track your ballot at vote.utah.gov to confirm it was received and counted. Once registered, you remain registered unless you move, change your name, or become ineligible. Update your registration if your address changes.

Key Laws

LawYearDescription
Utah Code 20A-2-101.5 — Convicted Felons: Restoration of Right to Vote1998 (amended 2019)Provides that a convicted felon's right to register to vote and to vote is restored when the felon is placed on probation, placed on parole, or has successfully completed the term of incarceration. This is the core statute governing felon voting rights in Utah.
Utah Constitution, Article IV, Section 61896The Utah Constitution disqualifies persons convicted of treason or crime against the elective franchise from voting unless restored to civil rights. This provides the constitutional basis for felon disenfranchisement, which the legislature has narrowed through statute.
HB 431 (2019) — Automatic Restoration of Voting Rights2019Eliminated the requirement for individuals with felony convictions to petition the Board of Pardons and Parole for a certificate of restoration of voting rights. Made restoration automatic upon release from incarceration, placement on probation, or placement on parole. Also confirmed that people on probation or parole can register and vote.
HB 190 (1998) — Felon Voting Restrictions1998Original legislation that established the framework for felon voting restoration in Utah, creating Utah Code 20A-2-101.5. Set the foundation that voting rights are lost only during incarceration.

Edge Cases

Can I vote if I am on probation in Utah?

Yes. Under Utah Code 20A-2-101.5, your voting rights are restored when you are placed on probation. You do not need to complete probation before voting. Register at vote.utah.gov or at your county clerk's office.

Can I vote if I am on parole in Utah?

Yes. Your voting rights are restored when you are placed on parole. You can register and vote while on parole with no waiting period or additional requirements.

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

No. Utah does not require payment of fines, fees, or restitution as a condition of voting. Your right to vote is restored upon release from incarceration, placement on probation, or placement on parole, regardless of outstanding financial obligations.

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

Yes, as long as you are not currently incarcerated in a federal prison. Utah law restores voting rights for people convicted in 'any state or federal court' upon release, probation, or parole. Federal supervised release is treated similarly to parole.

What if I was convicted in another state but now live in Utah?

If you are a Utah resident and are not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction, you can register to vote in Utah. Utah does not impose additional restrictions based on where the conviction occurred.

Can I vote from county jail in Utah?

It depends. If you are in county jail awaiting trial (pretrial detention) or serving a misdemeanor sentence, you retain the right to vote and can request a mail ballot. If you are in county jail serving a felony sentence or awaiting transfer to state prison after a felony conviction, you cannot vote.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I vote in Utah 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, and you can vote while on probation or parole. There is no waiting period, no application, and no fee.
How do I register to vote after a felony conviction in Utah?
Register online at vote.utah.gov using your Utah driver's license or state ID number (or the last 4 digits of your SSN). You can also register in person at your county clerk's office, at a vote center, or by mail using a paper voter registration form.
Do I need any paperwork from the Board of Pardons and Parole to vote?
No. Since HB 431 was passed in 2019, you no longer need a certificate of restoration from the Board of Pardons and Parole. Your voting rights are automatically restored upon release from incarceration, placement on probation, or placement on parole.
Is Utah a vote-by-mail state?
Yes. Utah conducts elections primarily by mail. Once you are registered, you will automatically receive a ballot in the mail before each election. You can return it by mail, at a drop box, or at a vote center. You can also vote in person at a vote center during early voting or on Election Day.
What is the voter registration deadline in Utah?
Online and mail-in registration must be completed at least 11 days before Election Day. However, Utah offers same-day voter registration — you can register in person at your county clerk's office or at a vote center up to and including Election Day.
Will I be notified when my voting rights are restored?
Utah does not have a formal notification system for voting rights restoration. However, the Department of Corrections and the Board of Pardons and Parole provide information about civic rights upon release. You can always verify your eligibility at vote.utah.gov.
Can I run for office in Utah with a felony conviction?
Under Utah Code 20A-2-101.5, the right to hold office is also restored when voting rights are restored — upon release from incarceration, placement on probation, or placement on parole. However, some offices may have additional eligibility requirements.
Does a pardon or expungement affect my voting rights in Utah?
A pardon or expungement is not required to restore your voting rights in Utah, since they are automatically restored upon release. However, a pardon or expungement can restore other rights and remove the conviction from your record for employment and housing purposes.
What if someone tells me I cannot vote because of my felony?
Misinformation about felon voting rights is common. If you are not currently incarcerated in state or federal prison for a felony, you have the right to vote in Utah. Contact the Utah Lieutenant Governor's Elections Office at (800) 995-VOTE (8683) or your county clerk to confirm your eligibility.
Can I vote by mail from a halfway house or transitional housing in Utah?
Yes. If you are living in a halfway house, transitional housing, or reentry facility and are not currently incarcerated in state or federal prison, you can register to vote using that address and receive your ballot by mail at that location.

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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 Utah.