Can Felons Vote in Wisconsin?
It depends. You can vote in Wisconsin with a felony conviction only after you have completed your entire sentence, including any probation, parole, or extended supervision. While you are still 'on paper' (under Department of Corrections supervision), you cannot vote. Once you are fully off supervision, your rights are automatically restored and you can register at myvote.wi.gov.
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Overview
Wisconsin restores voting rights only after a person has completed their entire sentence, including incarceration, probation, parole, and extended supervision — commonly referred to as being 'off paper.' Under Wisconsin Statute 6.03, anyone convicted of treason, a felony, or bribery cannot vote until their sentence is fully completed or they receive a pardon. There is no separate application or fee to restore voting rights; once you are off supervision, you simply re-register to vote. Wisconsin does not automatically re-register you — you must take the step yourself.
Quick Answer
It depends. You can vote in Wisconsin with a felony conviction only after you have completed your entire sentence, including any probation, parole, or extended supervision. While you are still 'on paper' (under Department of Corrections supervision), you cannot vote. Once you are fully off supervision, your rights are automatically restored and you can register at myvote.wi.gov.
Can vote
- ✓Completed your entire felony sentence, including incarceration, probation, parole, and extended supervision ('off paper')
- ✓Received a pardon from the Governor that restores your civil rights
- ✓Convicted of a misdemeanor only (misdemeanors do not affect voting rights)
- ✓In jail awaiting trial (pretrial detention) — not yet convicted
- ✓Completed sentence for a felony in another state and now a Wisconsin resident
Cannot vote
- ✗Currently incarcerated for a felony conviction
- ✗Currently on probation for a felony conviction
- ✗Currently on parole for a felony conviction
- ✗Currently on extended supervision for a felony conviction
- ✗Convicted of treason and civil rights not restored
- ✗Convicted of bribery and civil rights not restored
Step-by-Step Process
Confirm your sentence is complete
You must have fully completed your entire sentence, including any term of incarceration, probation, parole, and extended supervision. Contact the Wisconsin Department of Corrections at (608) 240-5000 or your supervising agent if you are unsure of your status. You are eligible to register to vote only when you are completely 'off paper.'
Register to vote
Register online at myvote.wi.gov using your Wisconsin driver's license or state ID number. You can also register by mail by downloading a registration form from myvote.wi.gov, or in person at your municipal clerk's office. Wisconsin also offers Election Day Registration — you can register at your polling place on Election Day with proof of residence.
Provide proof of residence
Wisconsin requires proof of residence to register. Acceptable documents include a Wisconsin driver's license or ID, a utility bill, a bank statement, a government-issued document, or a residential lease. If registering on Election Day, you must bring proof of residence to the polling place.
Obtain a valid photo ID for voting
Wisconsin has a voter photo ID law. You must present an acceptable photo ID when voting in person. Acceptable IDs include a Wisconsin driver's license, Wisconsin state ID card, U.S. passport, military ID, or certain other government-issued photo IDs. If you do not have an acceptable ID, you can obtain a free state ID card from the Wisconsin DMV.
Vote
Vote in person at your assigned polling place on Election Day or during the in-person early voting (absentee) period at your municipal clerk's office. You can also vote by absentee ballot — request one online at myvote.wi.gov or from your municipal clerk. Return your absentee ballot by mail or in person by Election Day.
Stay registered
Once registered, you remain registered as long as you continue to reside at the same address. If you move, you must re-register at your new address. You can check your registration status and polling place at myvote.wi.gov. Contact your municipal clerk or the Wisconsin Elections Commission at (608) 266-8005 with questions.
Key Laws
| Law | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Constitution, Article III, Section 2 | 1848 (amended 1986) | Grants the legislature the power to exclude from voting persons convicted of treason, felony, or bribery. A 1986 amendment changed the provision from a mandatory exclusion to a permissive one, giving the legislature discretion over disenfranchisement rules. |
| Wisconsin Statute § 6.03(1)(b) | Current | Disqualifies from voting any person convicted of treason, felony, or bribery, unless the person's right to vote is restored through a pardon or under section 304.078(3). This is the primary statutory basis for felon disenfranchisement in Wisconsin. |
| Wisconsin Statute § 304.078(3) | Current | Provides that when a person convicted of a felony completes their sentence (including incarceration, probation, parole, and extended supervision), their civil rights — including the right to vote — are automatically restored without requiring a separate hearing or procedure. |
| 2011 Wisconsin Act 23 — Voter Photo ID Law | 2011 | Requires all voters to present an acceptable photo ID when voting in person. This applies to all voters, including those with restored felony voting rights. Free state ID cards are available from the Wisconsin DMV for voters who do not have another acceptable photo ID. |
Edge Cases
Can I vote if I have completed my prison sentence but am still on extended supervision?
No. Extended supervision is part of your sentence under Wisconsin law. You must complete your full extended supervision period before your voting rights are restored. You are not eligible to vote until you are completely 'off paper' — meaning all components of your sentence (incarceration, parole, probation, and extended supervision) are finished.
Can I vote if my probation was revoked and I was re-incarcerated?
No. If your probation was revoked and you are currently serving a sentence of incarceration or back on supervision, you cannot vote. Your voting rights will be restored again when you complete the full revised sentence, including any new period of supervision.
Can I vote if I was convicted of a felony in another state but now live in Wisconsin?
It depends. If your out-of-state sentence (including any probation, parole, or supervised release) is fully complete, you can register to vote in Wisconsin as a Wisconsin resident. If you are still under supervision from another state's conviction, you cannot vote in Wisconsin.
Do I need to pay fines, fees, or restitution before I can vote?
Unpaid fines and restitution alone do not prevent you from voting in Wisconsin — what matters is whether you have completed your sentence. If your fines were a condition of probation and your probation is complete, you can vote. However, if unpaid fines result in ongoing supervision or a revocation, that would prevent you from voting until the supervision is complete.
I received a pardon from the Governor. Can I vote?
Yes. A gubernatorial pardon restores your civil rights, including the right to vote, even if you have not completed your full sentence. Once you receive a pardon, you can re-register to vote immediately.
Can I vote if I am in jail awaiting trial but have not been convicted?
Yes. If you are in jail on pretrial detention and have not been convicted of a felony, you retain the right to vote. Contact your municipal clerk's office to request an absentee ballot.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I vote in Wisconsin if I have a felony conviction?
- Yes, but only after you have completed your entire sentence — including incarceration, probation, parole, and extended supervision. While you are 'on paper' (under Department of Corrections supervision), you cannot vote. Once fully off supervision, your rights are automatically restored and you can re-register to vote.
- What does 'off paper' mean in Wisconsin?
- 'Off paper' means you have completed every component of your felony sentence. This includes any time in prison or jail, any probation period, any parole period, and any extended supervision period. Once you are no longer being supervised by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections in any way, you are 'off paper' and eligible to vote.
- How do I register to vote after completing my sentence in Wisconsin?
- Register online at myvote.wi.gov, by mail using a downloadable registration form, or in person at your municipal clerk's office. Wisconsin also allows Election Day Registration at your polling place. You will need proof of residence and a valid photo ID. Registration is free.
- Do I need to apply for my voting rights to be restored?
- No. Your voting rights are automatically restored once you complete your entire sentence. There is no application, no hearing, and no fee. You simply need to re-register to vote.
- Can I vote while on probation or parole in Wisconsin?
- No. Unlike some other states, Wisconsin does not allow people on probation, parole, or extended supervision to vote. You must be completely off all forms of felony supervision before you can register and vote.
- Do I need a photo ID to vote in Wisconsin?
- Yes. Wisconsin requires a valid photo ID to vote in person. Acceptable IDs include a Wisconsin driver's license, Wisconsin state ID card, U.S. passport, U.S. military ID, tribal ID, or certain other government-issued photo IDs. If you do not have one, you can get a free state ID card from any Wisconsin DMV office.
- What if I lost my ID while incarcerated?
- You can obtain a free Wisconsin state ID card for voting purposes from any DMV office. Bring documentation of your identity (such as a birth certificate or Social Security card) and proof of Wisconsin residency. The Wisconsin Department of Corrections may assist with obtaining identification documents before release.
- Can I vote by absentee ballot in Wisconsin with a felony record?
- Yes, if your voting rights have been restored (you are off paper). Any registered Wisconsin voter can request an absentee ballot. Request one online at myvote.wi.gov or from your municipal clerk. You will need to include a copy of your photo ID with your absentee ballot request (unless you have already provided one for the current election cycle).
- What happens if I vote before completing my sentence?
- Voting while ineligible is a criminal offense in Wisconsin. If you vote before completing your entire sentence, you could face additional felony charges. Make sure you have fully completed all components of your sentence before registering to vote.
- Will the Department of Corrections notify me when I can vote?
- Wisconsin law requires the Department of Corrections to inform people on probation that they cannot vote until their civil rights are restored. Upon discharge from supervision, you should receive information about the restoration of your rights. However, the DOC does not automatically re-register you — you must take that step yourself.
Take Action — Direct Links
- MyVote Wisconsin — Voter Registration Portal
Wisconsin's official voter information portal. Register to vote online, check your registration status, find your polling place, and request an absentee ballot.
- Wisconsin Elections Commission — Ex-Felons and the Photo ID Law
Official brochure from the Wisconsin Elections Commission explaining voting rights for formerly incarcerated people and photo ID requirements.
- ACLU of Wisconsin — Voting Rights for Persons with Criminal Convictions
ACLU of Wisconsin resource page explaining who can and cannot vote with a criminal record, including a summary of Wisconsin Statute 6.03.
- Wisconsin Department of Corrections — Contact Information
Contact the Wisconsin DOC at (608) 240-5000 to confirm whether your sentence is complete and your voting rights have been restored.
- Campaign Legal Center — Restore Your Vote (Wisconsin)
Interactive tool that helps determine your voter eligibility based on your state and conviction history, with step-by-step guidance for Wisconsin.
- Wisconsin DMV — Free ID for Voting
Information on obtaining a free Wisconsin state ID card for voting purposes from the Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Vote.gov — Voting After a Felony Conviction
Federal government resource with state-by-state information on voting rights after a felony conviction.
Video Guides
Sources
- Wisconsin Statutes § 6.03 — Disqualification of Electors
- Wisconsin Elections Commission — Ex-Felons and Incarcerated Voters
- ACLU of Wisconsin — Voting Rights for Persons with Criminal Convictions
- PBS Wisconsin — When Can Formerly Incarcerated People Legally Vote?
- Wisconsin Legislative Council — Issue Brief: Felon Voting (2019)
- US Vote Foundation — Wisconsin Voting Rights Restoration
- NCSL — Felon Voting Rights by State