In California, a felony conviction does not permanently take away your right to vote.

The California Secretary of State says a person with a prior felony conviction may register and vote when otherwise eligible as long as they are not currently serving a state or federal prison term for a felony conviction.

That means people on parole and probation can generally register and vote in California if they meet the other voter-eligibility requirements.

Who can register?

According to the California Secretary of State, you generally must:

  • be a United States citizen;
  • be a California resident;
  • be at least 18 years old on Election Day; and
  • not currently be serving a state or federal prison term for a felony conviction.

Certain mental-competency restrictions can also apply under California law.

Use the Secretary of State's current Who Can Vote in California page for the official requirements.

What if you are on parole?

California restored voting rights to people on parole. The Secretary of State's Voting Rights: Persons with a Prior Felony Conviction page specifically addresses people with criminal convictions and supervision statuses.

Do not rely on older materials that say parole automatically prevents voting in California.

What if you are on probation?

Probation does not automatically prevent an otherwise eligible Californian from registering and voting.

What if you are in county jail?

Eligibility depends on why you are in custody. Some people in local detention facilities remain eligible to vote, including people held for certain misdemeanor matters or awaiting trial.

Use the Secretary of State's criminal-history voting-rights guidance for the current categories rather than making assumptions.

What happens after release from prison?

Voting registration is not something you should assume has automatically updated just because your eligibility returned.

Check your registration and register if needed through the California Secretary of State.

Why this belongs in reentry planning

Voting is one part of civic reintegration. Reentry is not only about employment, housing and benefits. It is also about understanding the rights and responsibilities you have when you return to the community.

Voting-rights checklist

  • Confirm that you are not currently serving a state or federal prison term for a felony.
  • Check the Secretary of State's eligibility rules.
  • Register or update your registration.
  • Update your address after moving.
  • Verify registration before an election.
  • Use official state or county election information for deadlines and voting locations.

Related Reentry Village guides

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Sources

Last reviewed: August 11, 2026

Disclaimer: General legal and civic information only, not legal advice. Voting eligibility can depend on custody and sentence status. Confirm your individual eligibility with the California Secretary of State, county elections office or qualified legal assistance.

Disclaimer

This article provides general educational information, not legal, medical, mental-health, benefits, or case-management advice. Programs, eligibility rules, hours, and availability can change. Confirm details with the responsible agency. Call or text 988 for an urgent behavioral-health crisis, and call 911 when there is immediate danger to life.

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