Voting Rights Information

The right to vote is an important civil right in a democracy as well as a civic responsibility, and yet many persons who have been convicted of a crime do not know whether they are eligible to vote. For both federal and state elections, the right to vote is controlled by the laws of the state in which you live.

Can I vote while I'm incarcerated in Oregon?

You cannot vote in Oregon if you are incarcerated as a result of a felony conviction. Your right to vote is suspended from the date of sentencing until you are discharged or paroled, or until the conviction is set aside. You also cannot vote if the court stays the execution of your sentence for any purpose other than probation.

If you are a resident of another state who is temporarily incarcerated in Oregon, you may be able to vote by absentee ballot in your home state. You need to consult the law of your home state regarding both criminal convictions and absentee ballots to see if this is a possibility. 

I have been released from incarceration. How do I restore my right to vote?

Your right to vote is automatically restored upon discharge or parole from imprisonment. The right to vote shall be automatically withdrawn, however, if you are subsequently incarcerated for violation of the terms of your parole.

What if my conviction was for a federal crime?

If you are a resident of Oregon, the same rules apply whether you were convicted of a federal or state crime.

What happens if I move to another state?

If you move to another state, your right to vote will be controlled by the laws of that state.

What are Oregon's other voter registration requirements?

To vote in Oregon, you must be:

  • an Oregon resident
  • a United States citizen
  • 18 years or older (you can register when you are 16)

When do I need to register to vote?

You may register at any time, but if you are a new Oregon resident you must register by the 21st day before the election. You can register the following ways in Oregon  

  • Mail a voter registration card to your county elections office. The voter registration card must be postmarked no later than the 21st day before the election.
  • You can register in person at an elections office until the close of business on the 21st day before the election. 
  • With Oregon DMV ID, you can register online until 11:59 on the 21st day before the election.

If you are already a registered voter in Oregon, you can update your registration through 8 p.m., Election day by visiting your elections office. You can check your voter status by visiting MyVote.

Where do I register?