Felons in Ohio regain their voting rights automatically upon release from prison. Felons who are on probation or parole are still able to vote.
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Felon Voting Law in Ohio
A news report issued in October 2015 by WDTN in Ohio said that voting privileges for felons are reissued after an individual serves his or her sentence, or upon a felon’s release from prison. According to the news report, Ohio is one of 14 US states that permit felons who have served their sentence to re-register to vote.
The Board of Elections further supported the claim and added that felons have 30 days before a scheduled election to re-register. Unless the felony involved an electoral matter, such as voter fraud, a felon does not lose his or her voting rights.
The Board of Elections also stated that anyone who is charged with a felony who has not been convicted may vote too, even if they are currently incarcerated. Absentee ballots are mailed to individuals who are awaiting a court appearance, whether they are residing inside a correctional facility or at home. Parolees and felons on probation may also vote.
How a Felon in Ohio Can Restore Their Voting Rights
In order to vote in Ohio state elections or participate in a federal election, you must register to vote ahead of the scheduled date with the Secretary of State. Registrants can go through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) as well while filling out ID card transactions or their driver’s license application.
In order to vote in Ohio, you must be –
· At least 18 years old before or by the scheduled election date and a US citizen
· A resident of Ohio for at least 30 days
· Currently not imprisoned for a felony
· Mentally competent
· Not disqualified for committing a felony associated with the electoral voting law
Felons can register through the county Board of Elections by mail or in person. Residents cannot register online. To register by mail or in person, complete and send a voter registration and information update form to the local county Board of Elections office. The Ohio Secretary of State office online supplies a complete listing of locations that provide the form.
A copy of the form can also be downloaded, completed and dropped off at –
· Any Board of Elections office
· Ohio BMV deputy registrar location
· Public library
· Public high school or vocational facility
· County treasurer office
· Other state office
Felons can find out further details about the process by accessing the following link.
Other Resources For Felons in Ohio
Getting Started: If this is your first time to our website, we highly recommend that you visit our getting started page to understand everything we have to offer. You can do so by clicking here.
Jobs For Felons: If you’re a felon looking for a job in Ohio, we have all of the resources you need including job listings by city, companies that hire felons, and our own job board. Click Here to learn more.
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