From Bars To Ballots: Exploring Voting Rights For Convicted Felons in Indiana

Can a convicted felon vote in the state of Indiana?

Felony Convictions Can Result in Disenfranchisement

When a person is convicted of a felony crime, they lose a number of their constitutional rights. Often referred to as Felony Disenfranchisement, it includes being deprived of the right to own, posses or use a firearm and the right to sit on a jury. In some states those convicted of a felony also lose the right to vote.

Can a Convicted Felon Vote in the US - It Depends

There is some confusion about that last one. Some people believe that because a person has been convicted of a felony that they lose their right to vote - period. However, that simply is not true.

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Some States Do Ban Voting By Convicted Felons

The American Civil Liberties Union explains that each state handles voting by those carrying a felony on their records differently, calling it a form of "voter suppression."

The ACLU says there are approximately 5.85 million people in America who are prevented from voting because of these disenfranchisement laws.

Indiana Voter Law for Felons

So what about residents of Indiana who carry a felony record? According to the ACLU's Felony Disenfranchisement Map, the only people not allowed to vote in Indiana are those currently in prison. All other residents over the age of 18 may vote.

Who Is Eligible to Vote in Indiana

Some Indiana citizens may have the right to vote and didn't even know it. According to the Indiana Voter's Bill of Right you have the right to vote in Indiana if:

• You are a U.S. Citizen; AND
• You are a resident of Indiana; AND
• You will be at least 18 years of age at the next Municipal or General Election, November 5, 2024; AND
• You are not currently in prison after being convicted of a crime;
• You have lived in the precinct where you vote for at least 30 days before the election; AND
• You are registered to vote.

Learn how to register to vote as a resident of Indiana here.