Misdemeanor convictions in Virginia
Can prisoners vote in jail? Generally, yes.
You do not lose the right to vote if you are convicted of a misdemeanor in Virginia. If you are incarcerated for a misdemeanor you should check voter registration status, register to vote if necessary, and request an absentee ballot from your Local Election Office.
You can vote while awaiting trial for any charge, even if incarcerated, as long as you have not lost your right to vote due to a prior conviction.
Felony conviction in Virginia
Can felons vote in Virginia?
You permanently lose your right to vote if you are convicted of a felony. You can't vote while incarcerated, while on probation, or while on parole. Your right to vote can only be restored by the Governor, upon request. This policy is subject to change under future Governors, and this page will be updated accordingly.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- American Samoa
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Guam
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Puerto Rico
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virgin Islands
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
In all states, it's a felony to vote if your voting rights are currently revoked. If you are uncertain about your status from the information provided on this page, call 1-866-OUR-VOTE for more information.
HELPFUL U.S. VOTE FOUNDATION RESOURCES
For help with:
- Registering to vote
- Requesting an absentee ballot
- Requesting a mail-in ballot
For help with finding your Election Official.