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Did you know that most people in Wisconsin with criminal convictions can still vote? Wisconsin Voices provides clear and concise public information about voting and criminal convictions in Milwaukee.
“We want to bring awareness and attention to combat the misinformation about voting rights for persons with criminal convictions,” said Felice Green, Communications Director for the organization.
You can vote if you:
- Are 18 or older;
- Are a US citizen;
- Have been a Wisconsin resident for at least 28 days by election day (or 10 days for a presidential election);
- A court has not found you incompetent to vote; and
- You are not currently in jail/prison, or on probation, parole, or extended supervision for a felony, treason, or bribery.
If you have been charged with a felony or misdemeanor but have not been convicted:
You can vote.
If you have a misdemeanor conviction:
If you were convicted of a misdemeanor, unless it was treason or bribery, you can still vote.
Even if you are still in jail or on paper (on probation, parole, or supervision) for a misdemeanor, you do not lose your voting rights.
Felony Convictions
In Wisconsin, people who have been convicted of a felony, treason, or bribery can vote once they have finished their sentence and are off paper.
If you are still incarcerated, or on probation, parole, or supervision for a felony, you cannot vote.
If you have completed your sentence and any term of probation, parole, or supervision for a felony, you can vote.
How to find out?
If you are not sure if you are eligible to vote or off paper, ask your parole or probation officer.
How to vote?
Eligible voters at jails and prisons can request absentee ballots.
People who have completed their sentences can vote in-person or absentee, just like anyone else.
If you were convicted of a felony, you will have to register to vote again. Wisconsin has same-day voter registration, so you can register at your polling place on election day.
You can check your voter registration status or register online at My Vote Wisconsin.
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