Voting After A Conviction
Elec. Code 2101 — not while imprisoned for a felony, and nothing more
In California, a person entitled to register to vote is a United States citizen, a resident of California, not imprisoned for the conviction of a felony, and at least 18 years of age at the time of the next election.
Imprisoned means a prison term. Imprisoned means currently serving a state or federal prison term. A juvenile adjudication is not a conviction for this purpose.
What counties tell people. Registration programs print that a person must not be currently imprisoned in a state or federal prison for the conviction of a felony.
| The question | The statute's answer |
|---|---|
| The questionWho may not register | The statute's answerA person currently serving a state or federal prison term for a felony |
| The questionParole, probation or county jail | The statute's answerNot a state or federal prison term, so not a bar under this section |
| The questionA juvenile adjudication | The statute's answerNot a conviction for this purpose |
Preregistration at 16 and the rules for people in county jail awaiting trial are not all on this page. Whether a particular conviction affects a particular person's right to vote is a question for the county election office or a licensed California attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- Elec. Code 2101 — Who may register: citizenship, residence, age, and not imprisoned for a felony
- Elec. Code 2106 — The statement on voter registration materials
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed California attorney.