Voting After a Felony
R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-9.2-3 — the vote is lost only while incarcerated and comes back on discharge
Back on discharge. A person who lost the right to vote because of incarceration on a felony conviction has it restored on discharge from incarceration.
Before taking a felony plea or imposing a felony sentence, the court tells the defendant the vote is lost only while incarcerated.
On release, the department of corrections gives written notice that voting rights are restored, a registration form, and help filling it out.
A particular question is one for the local board of canvassers.
Sources for this section (1)
- R.I. Gen. Laws § 17-9.2-3 — Restoration of voting rights
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Rhode Island attorney.