According to the Brennan Center of the New York University School of Law, the right to vote is restored for felons automatically after discharge from prison. Individuals who have been convicted of corrupt electoral practices” are barred permanently from regaining their voting rights. You can reference the information by clicking on this link.
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Felon Voting Law in Massachusetts
Between 1988 and 1997, Massachusetts was one of a few states that permitted prisoners to cast a ballot. (Click this link for details.) However, the law currently states that prisoners who are felons cannot vote until they get out of prison or serve their time. Any felon whose crime involved corrupt practices with respect to voting procedures and/or processes cannot regain his voting status for life.
How a Felon in Massachusetts Can Restore Their Voting Rights
In Massachusetts, a felon must re-register to vote in order to vote. According to the Secretary of State’s Office for Massachusetts, voting registrants must be –
· US citizens
· At least 18 years old on the next scheduled election
· A Massachusetts resident
· Not currently incarcerated for a felony
Anyone who meets the above-listed requirements may register to vote by mail, in-person or online. The deadline for registering in a regular town meeting or in any electoral race is 20 days before the date of the scheduled meeting or election. The deadline for registering to vote at a special town meeting is ten days before the scheduled meeting.
For applicants to register online, they must maintain a signature on file the state’s Registry of Motor Vehicles. If you already have a state ID card or driver license, you can conveniently access the online registration application to register to vote or make changes to your address or party affiliation. Forms that are submitted on the Internet must be delivered by midnight of the registration deadline.
If qualifications bar you from registering online, you can register via the US mail. Download a registration form on the Secretary of State’s site and fill out the form, sign it and submit it to your area’s election official. When submitted by mail, the envelope holding the registration must be postmarked by the deadline for registering.
You can register in-person at a local election office or to the Secretary of Commonwealth’s office to the Elections Division. Voter registration is also offered at specific public assistance entities and the Registry of Motor Vehicles. Any form that is filled out and submitted in-person is valid on the day it is signed. You can cross-reference the above details by clicking on this site.
Other Resources For Felons in Massachusetts
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 Massachusetts, 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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