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Can Convicted Felons Vote in New Jersey?

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The United States is a democratic country that grants every citizen voting rights, enabling them to elect officials who represent their beliefs and vote in policies that benefit their lives. Next November, millions of Americans will determine who will serve the next four years as the U.S. president.

As long as you are 18 years of age or older, been a state resident for at least 30 days before the date of the election, and mentally competent, you have the right to vote in New Jersey.

But what about current and convicted felons?

Can Felons Vote in NJ?

In New Jersey, a conviction for a felony offense results in the loss of a state resident’s voting rights. However, once a felon completes his/her prison sentence, probation, or parole, his/her voting rights will be reinstated.

Felons who have been released from prison or completed their parole or probation must re-register to vote—at least 30 days prior to the scheduled election. The registration application could be downloaded from the state’s website and either delivered in person or sent by mail to the County Commissioner or Superintendent of Elections.

Unfortunately, there are 94,000 individuals who currently cannot vote in New Jersey because of state disenfranchisement laws. There are approximately 58,000 felons who have never been in jail serving probation and 15,000 felons on parole after serving their prison sentence.

For more information about felon voting rights, contact the Law Offices of Joseph R. Donahue, LLC today at (201) 574-7919 and request a free case review.

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