Can Felons Vote in Wyoming?
It depends on the type of felony. If you are a first-time nonviolent felony offender convicted under Wyoming or another state's law, your voting rights are automatically restored upon completion of your sentence. If you were convicted of a violent felony, you must seek a gubernatorial pardon. If you have a federal felony conviction, Wyoming's automatic restoration process does not apply as of 2025. Register at your county clerk's office or online at sos.wyo.gov.
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Overview
Wyoming has a tiered system for restoring voting rights after a felony conviction. First-time nonviolent felony offenders convicted under state law have their voting rights automatically restored upon completion of their sentence (including probation and parole). Those convicted of violent felonies listed in § 6-1-104(a)(xii) — such as murder, sexual assault, and kidnapping — are not eligible for automatic restoration and must seek a gubernatorial pardon. A 2025 amendment (SF9) excluded federal convictions from the automatic restoration process entirely, meaning people with federal felony convictions must seek restoration through other means.
Quick Answer
It depends on the type of felony. If you are a first-time nonviolent felony offender convicted under Wyoming or another state's law, your voting rights are automatically restored upon completion of your sentence. If you were convicted of a violent felony, you must seek a gubernatorial pardon. If you have a federal felony conviction, Wyoming's automatic restoration process does not apply as of 2025. Register at your county clerk's office or online at sos.wyo.gov.
Can vote
- ✓First-time nonviolent felony offender (convicted under Wyoming or another state's law) who has completed their entire sentence, including probation and parole
- ✓Received a gubernatorial pardon restoring civil rights
- ✓Convicted of a misdemeanor (misdemeanors do not affect voting rights)
- ✓In jail awaiting trial (pretrial detention) — not yet convicted of a felony
Cannot vote
- ✗Currently incarcerated for any felony conviction
- ✗On parole or probation for a felony conviction (rights not yet restored)
- ✗Convicted of a violent felony (murder, manslaughter, sexual assault, kidnapping, aggravated assault, arson in the first or second degree, or causing bodily injury to a peace officer) — requires gubernatorial pardon
- ✗Convicted of more than one nonviolent felony (not a first-time offender) — must seek gubernatorial pardon
- ✗Convicted of a federal felony (excluded from automatic restoration as of 2025 SF9)
- ✗Received a restoration certificate that was voided by a subsequent felony conviction
Step-by-Step Process
Determine your eligibility category
Your path depends on your conviction type. First-time nonviolent state felony offenders qualify for automatic restoration upon sentence completion. Violent felony offenders, repeat offenders, and those with federal convictions must seek a gubernatorial pardon. Contact the Wyoming Department of Corrections at (307) 777-6341 to determine your status.
Complete your entire sentence
For automatic restoration, you must complete all terms of your sentence, including incarceration, parole, probation, and any supervised release. Your sentence must be fully discharged — being on active supervision disqualifies you from automatic restoration.
Receive your Certificate of Restoration (if applicable)
The Wyoming Department of Corrections issues a Certificate of Restoration of Voting Rights to eligible first-time nonviolent offenders upon completion of their sentence. This certificate serves as proof of your restored voting rights. If you completed your sentence but have not received a certificate, contact the Department of Corrections.
Register to vote
With your Certificate of Restoration (or proof of pardon), register to vote at your county clerk's office or online through the Wyoming Secretary of State's website at sos.wyo.gov. You will need to provide your name, address, date of birth, and proof of eligibility.
Apply for a gubernatorial pardon (if not eligible for automatic restoration)
If you were convicted of a violent felony, have multiple felony convictions, or have a federal felony conviction, you must apply for a gubernatorial pardon through the Governor's office. Contact the Wyoming Board of Parole at (307) 777-5444 for information on the pardon application process.
Vote and maintain your rights
Once registered, vote in person at your assigned polling place on Election Day, during early voting, or by absentee ballot. Be aware that conviction of a new felony after receiving a Certificate of Restoration will automatically void your certificate and re-strip your voting rights.
Key Laws
| Law | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Statutes § 6-10-106 — Loss of Civil Rights Upon Felony Conviction | 1982 | Establishes that a person convicted of a felony forfeits the right to vote, serve on a jury, and hold public office. This is the statutory basis for felon disenfranchisement in Wyoming. |
| Wyoming Statutes § 7-13-105 — Restoration of Civil Rights | 2010 (amended 2023, 2025) | Provides the framework for restoration of voting rights. First-time nonviolent felony offenders convicted under state law automatically have voting rights restored upon completion of sentence. The Department of Corrections issues a certificate of restoration. Violent felony offenders must seek gubernatorial action. |
| HB 263 (2023) — Automatic Restoration of Civil Rights | 2023 | Made the restoration of voting rights automatic for first-time nonviolent state felony offenders upon completion of sentence, eliminating the need to apply for a certificate. Also made all other civil rights (except firearm rights) automatic after a 5-year waiting period post-sentence completion for this group. |
| SF 9 (2025) — Amendments to Restoration of Rights Eligibility | 2025 | Amended § 7-13-105 to limit automatic restoration to those convicted under Wyoming or another state's law, excluding federal convictions. Added a provision that conviction of a new felony after receiving a certificate of restoration automatically voids the certificate. Also amended the definition of violent felony and expanded judicial review of eligibility determinations. |
Edge Cases
I was convicted of a nonviolent felony but it was a federal conviction. Can I have my voting rights restored?
As of 2025 (SF9), people with federal felony convictions are no longer eligible for automatic restoration of voting rights under Wyoming's § 7-13-105. This includes military convictions under the UCMJ. You would need to seek a gubernatorial pardon or explore federal restoration options.
What counts as a 'violent felony' under Wyoming law?
Wyoming defines violent felonies in § 6-1-104(a)(xii). They include: murder, manslaughter (voluntary and involuntary), sexual assault in the first and second degree, kidnapping, aggravated assault and battery, arson in the first or second degree, robbery, and causing or attempting to cause bodily injury to a peace officer. Convictions for these offenses require a gubernatorial pardon for rights restoration.
I completed my nonviolent felony sentence before January 1, 2010. Am I eligible for automatic restoration?
Automatic restoration under § 7-13-105 applies to first-time nonviolent felony offenders who completed their sentence on or after January 1, 2010. If you completed your sentence before that date, you must apply to the Department of Corrections for a restoration certificate rather than receiving it automatically.
I had my rights restored but was convicted of a new felony. What happens?
Under the 2025 SF9 amendment, conviction of a new felony after receiving a certificate of restoration automatically voids the certificate, and all rights that were restored are no longer in effect. You would need to go through the restoration process again after completing the new sentence, if eligible.
I was convicted of a nonviolent felony in another state. Can I vote in Wyoming?
Yes, if it was your first felony conviction and it was nonviolent, you are eligible for automatic restoration under Wyoming law upon completion of your sentence. You may need to apply to the Department of Corrections for a certificate rather than receiving it automatically, since the conviction was from another state.
Do I need to pay fines or restitution before my rights are restored?
Completion of sentence includes all terms of the sentence. If outstanding fines or restitution are a condition of your probation or supervised release, they could delay your eligibility until the sentence is fully discharged. Contact the Department of Corrections or your supervising officer for specifics about your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I vote in Wyoming if I have a felony conviction?
- It depends on the type of felony and your status. First-time nonviolent state felony offenders automatically have voting rights restored upon completion of their entire sentence. Violent felony offenders, repeat offenders, and those with federal convictions must seek a gubernatorial pardon.
- How do I know if my felony is classified as violent or nonviolent?
- Wyoming's definition of violent felonies is found in § 6-1-104(a)(xii) and includes offenses like murder, sexual assault, kidnapping, aggravated assault, robbery, and arson. Contact the Wyoming Department of Corrections at (307) 777-6341 or check your sentencing documents to determine your classification.
- Is the restoration of voting rights automatic for nonviolent first-time offenders?
- Yes, as of the 2023 HB 263 amendments, voting rights are automatically restored for first-time nonviolent felony offenders convicted under state law upon completion of their entire sentence. The Department of Corrections issues a certificate of restoration. You do not need to apply separately for voting rights.
- How do I get my Certificate of Restoration?
- The Wyoming Department of Corrections issues certificates of restoration to eligible individuals. If you believe you are eligible but have not received your certificate, contact the Department of Corrections at (307) 777-6341 or visit corrections.wyo.gov.
- Can I vote while on probation or parole?
- No. In Wyoming, you must complete your entire sentence, including all terms of probation and parole, before your voting rights can be restored. Being on active supervision disqualifies you from voting.
- How do I apply for a gubernatorial pardon?
- Contact the Wyoming Board of Parole at (307) 777-5444 for information on the pardon application process. You can also visit boardofparole.wyo.gov for guidance. The Governor makes all pardon decisions and the process can take considerable time.
- How do I register to vote after my rights are restored?
- Register at your county clerk's office, or visit the Wyoming Secretary of State's website at sos.wyo.gov for online voter registration options. Bring your Certificate of Restoration or proof of pardon as documentation of your eligibility.
- What changed in 2025 with SF9?
- The 2025 SF9 law made three significant changes: (1) excluded federal convictions from the automatic restoration process, (2) established that a new felony conviction automatically voids a previously issued certificate of restoration, and (3) amended the definition of violent felony and expanded judicial review options.
- Can I serve on a jury or hold public office after a felony?
- For first-time nonviolent state felony offenders, all civil rights (including jury service and holding public office, but excluding firearm possession) are automatically restored 5 years after sentence completion under the 2023 amendments. Voting rights are restored immediately upon sentence completion.
- What if my felony conviction was expunged?
- Wyoming has limited expungement options. If your conviction has been expunged or your record has been sealed, you should have your full civil rights restored. Consult with an attorney or the Department of Corrections to confirm your status.
Take Action — Direct Links
- Wyoming Department of Corrections — Restoration of Rights
Official DOC page explaining the restoration of rights process, including eligibility criteria, how to obtain a certificate, and contact information.
- Wyoming Board of Parole — Voting Rights
Information on voting rights restoration from the Board of Parole, including guidance for those who need gubernatorial action.
- Wyoming Secretary of State — Elections
Official voter registration information, including how to register, find your polling place, and request an absentee ballot.
- Campaign Legal Center — Restore Your Vote (Wyoming)
Interactive tool that walks you through Wyoming's specific rules and helps determine if you are eligible to register to vote.
- Collateral Consequences Resource Center — Wyoming Profile
Comprehensive overview of Wyoming's restoration of rights landscape, including voting, jury service, public office, and firearm rights.
- WyoFile — Can I Vote With a Felony in Wyoming?
Accessible news article explaining Wyoming's felony voting rules in plain language, including the different pathways for violent and nonviolent offenses.
Sources
- Wyoming Department of Corrections — Restoration of Rights
- Wyoming Board of Parole — Voting Rights
- Wyoming Statutes § 7-13-105 — Restoration of Civil Rights
- 2025 SF9 — Amendments to Restoration of Rights
- Wyoming Public Media — A Bill Restoring Civil Rights of Certain Felons (2023)
- WyoFile — Can I Vote With a Felony in Wyoming?
- Collateral Consequences Resource Center — Wyoming Profile
- NCSL — Felon Voting Rights by State