1) Am I allowed to vote in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, you can register and vote if:
- You’re a U.S. citizen;
- You’ll be 18 or older on Election Day;
- You will have been a Wisconsin resident for at least 28 days on Election Day (you may vote in the presidential election after 10 days of residency;
- A court hasn’t taken away your right to vote because you are incompetent; and.
- You’re not currently in jail or prison, or on probation, parole, or extended supervision, for a felony (or for any treason or bribery conviction).
2) I was convicted of a misdemeanor. Can I vote?
- If you have been convicted of a misdemeanor (except for misdemeanor treason or bribery), you do not lose your right to vote.
- This means you can vote even if you are in jail or prison, or “on paper” (on probation, parole or extended supervision) for a misdemeanor.
3) I was convicted of a felony. Can I vote?
- If you have been convicted of a felony (or any treason or bribery crime), you can vote after you have finished your sentence and are “off paper” (off probation, parole or extended supervision).
- If you’re not sure if you are “off paper,” ask your parole/probation officer.
4) Do I have to get a pardon or permission from the government to vote, once I’m “off paper” for my felony?
- You do NOT have to get a pardon to get your voting rights back. Your voting rights are automatically restored as soon as you complete your felony sentence and are “off paper.”
5) I’ve been charged with a felony, but I haven’t been convicted yet. Can I vote?
- If you have been charged with a felony but not yet convicted, you can vote.
- If you’ve been convicted of a felony but haven’t been sentenced, you cannot vote.
6) I am in jail. Can I vote?
- Maybe. If you’re in jail for a misdemeanor, or if you’re in jail because you’re waiting for your trial but haven’t been convicted yet, you can vote. (If you’re in jail and you’ve been convicted of a felony, you cannot vote.)
- Persons who are in jail and are eligible to vote can apply to vote absentee by mail.
7) Is there anything else I have to do to vote in Wisconsin?
- You have to register to vote. Even if you were registered before you were convicted of a felony, you have to register again. Click here for more information.
- Most voters need to get “photo ID” to vote, for more information click here.
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- Please call the Wisconsin Elections Commission at 1-866-VOTE-WIS (1-866-868-3947) or check out their voter information center, https://elections.wi.gov/voters
