Voting After A Conviction
G.L. c. 51, § 1 — not while incarcerated in a correctional facility for a felony
In Massachusetts, a citizen eighteen or older may register and vote unless, among other things, the person is incarcerated in a correctional facility due to a felony conviction, or is temporarily or permanently disqualified by law because of corrupt practices in elections.
Incarceration, not conviction. The bar is written in terms of being incarcerated in a correctional facility due to a felony conviction. Probation and parole are not in its terms.
| The question | The statute's answer |
|---|---|
| The questionWho may not vote | The statute's answerA person incarcerated in a correctional facility due to a felony conviction |
| The questionFor how long | The statute's answerWhile incarcerated |
| The questionElection offenses | The statute's answerCorrupt practices in elections can disqualify by law |
Registration and residence rules 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 Massachusetts attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- G.L. c. 51, § 1 — Qualifications of voters
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Massachusetts attorney.