Voting After a Conviction
10 ILCS 5/3-5 — barred only while serving a sentence of confinement, and restored on release
A person convicted of a crime who is serving a sentence of confinement in a penal institution may not vote until released from confinement.
Who handles this in Illinois: Illinois State Bar Association, Illinois Lawyer Finder; and legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Illinois directory.
| Situation | Counts as confinement |
|---|---|
| SituationImprisoned but on furlough or in a work release program | Counts as confinementYes |
| SituationReleased on parole | Counts as confinementNo |
| SituationIn jail awaiting trial, before acquittal or conviction | Counts as confinementNo, and it is not a disqualification |
Sources for this section (1)
- 10 ILCS 5/3-5 — 10 ILCS 5/3-5
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Illinois attorney.