What Are Your Voting Rights Once Convicted of A Crime?
Now that the next round of presidential elections is right around the corner, you might be wondering about your voting rights once convicted of a crime. Here’s everything that you should know about how a prior criminal conviction can impact your ability to vote for your favorite political candidate in Pennsylvania.
Can you vote?
The right to vote is one of the most fundamental parts of being American. Fortunately for anyone who doesn’t have a spotless criminal record, the State of Pennsylvania recognizes the value of having as many residents as possible participate in the democratic process by voting. For the most part, a previous conviction will not keep you from voting in the next election.
According to the ACLU Pennsylvania, the only times that a criminal conviction will prevent you from casting a ballot are if (1) you’re still in prison on a felony conviction or (2) you were found guilty of an election law within the last four years. Otherwise, take advantage of the opportunity to help make a change in your community by heading to the polls at the next election.
Register to vote
You must register in advance to vote. The qualifications to register to vote include
- Age eighteen by election day
- United States citizen
- Pennsylvania resident for no less than thirty days before voting
You can register to vote even if you’re currently in jail or a half-way house. Just register with the address of where you were living before you were convicted. Once registered, you can use an absentee ballot to vote if you’re unable to travel to a voting place on the scheduled election day.
Register here to make your voice heard on election day.
Protect your right to vote
Protect your voting rights once convicted of a crime by remembering to cast your ballot in future elections. The United States Supreme Court says that the states may take people off of the voter registration rolls if they miss too many chances to vote. Make sure that you’re always able to vote by taking the time to vote in every election.
Lastly, unless you’re either in prison on a felony conviction or you recently misbehaved in the election process, your voting rights once convicted of a crime are intact in Pennsylvania. Take advantage of this essential right by registering and voting in 2020.
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