Voting After a Felony
Ala. Code § 17-3-30.1 — only a listed felony of moral turpitude takes the vote, and a certificate can restore it
A conviction takes away the vote only when it is a felony involving moral turpitude, and only the offenses the Felony Voter Disqualification Act lists count, such as murder, manslaughter, first and second degree assault, first and second degree domestic violence, kidnapping, first and second degree burglary, theft of property in the first and second degree, robbery, and drug trafficking.
Who handles this in Alabama: Alabama State Bar Lawyer Referral Service; and legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Alabama directory.
- The person has no felony charges pending.
- The person has paid all fines, court costs, fees and restitution ordered at sentencing on the disqualifying cases.
- The person has finished the sentence, been pardoned, or completed probation or parole and been released from it.
A person who meets those requirements may apply to the Board of Pardons and Paroles for a Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote, which is granted once they are verified. An officer investigates and reports within 30 days of the application.
Who cannot use the certificate. A conviction for impeachment, murder, rape, sodomy, sexual abuse, incest, sexual torture, child sex offenses and obscene matter involving a minor, or treason does not qualify for the certificate. A pardon with restoration of voting rights remains a separate path.
Sources for this section (2)
- Ala. Code § 17-3-30.1 — Disqualification of Electors for Felonies Involving Moral Turpitude
- Ala. Code § 15-22-36.1 — Certificate of Eligibility to Register to Vote
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Alabama attorney.