GETTING YOUR RIGHTS RESTORED

If you have been convicted of a felony, you are still eligible to register and vote in Tennessee, as long as the conviction was not for Murder, Rape, Treason or Voter Fraud.

However, you must go through the process of getting your rights restored.
You will either have to get a Certificate of Restoration completed by your local Probation & Parole Agent; or
You will have to petition the Circuit Court to restore your rights.

Once you get this paperwork complete you will need to bring it to us. 
We will then send that to the Division of Elections in Nashville who will review it and then send back confirmation that you can register to vote. 
Once we get that approval we can register you.  The process usually takes about 2 weeks.

To know which procedure you must complete, check the table below.

Click here to Print the: Certificate of Restoration that you will need; or

CONVICTION DATE

CRIMES FORFEITING
THE RIGHT TO VOTE

RESTORATION DOCUMENT NEEDED
TO GET RIGHTS RESTORED

  After June 30, 1996

  All Felonies

Certificate of Restoration

  July 1, 1986 - June 30, 1996

  All Felonies

Certificate of Restoration

  May 18, 1981 - June 30, 1986

  All Felonies

Certificate of Restoration

  January 15, 1973 - May 17, 1981

  None

  None

  Before January 15, 1973

 

One of the following convictions: (Note: the judgment must find the person infamous)

1. Abusing a female child;
2. Arson & felonious burning;
3. Bigamy;
4. Bribery;
5. Burglary;
6. Destroying a will;
7. Incest; rape; sodomy; buggery;
8. Perjury; subornation of perjury

Either one of the following:
1. Conviction Judgment absent a finding of Infamy;
2. Circuit Court Judgment;
3. Reversal of Conviction on Appeal;
4. Pardon