Restoring Your Voting Rights

An individual who is barred from registering and voting by reason of disqualifying felony conviction may request to have his or her voting rights restored by applying for a Certificate of Eligibility. An individual may qualify for a “Certificate of Eligibility” to vote if he or she has fulfilled all terms of the sentence for the disqualifying felony conviction. If you are unsure if your voting rights have been reinstated or if you just need a copy, contact the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles at 334-242-8700, choosing option to speak with Pardon Unit staff. If you have never filed to have your voting rights re-instated complete the attached Restoration of Voting Rights Form and mail it to the Pardons and Paroles, P.O. Box 302405, Montgomery, AL 36130-2405. You can also visit the Pike County, Pardons and Parole Office at 1119 S. Brundidge Street, Troy, AL 36081 or calling them at 334-566-2396. The local office fax number is 334-566-3670.

Once, the application is received the investigation is assigned to a State Pardon & Paroles Officer. The officer runs a criminal history to determine what disqualifying convictions need to be included. If the applicant meets the requirements, a checklist is submitted to a senior officer in the pardon unit at the Board of Pardons and Paroles.

A senior officer reviews the checklist and prepares it for board review. The file is submitted to the board for a period of 5 days. During this 5-day period, the board can object if they determine the eligibility requirements have not been met. If an objection occurs, the board will hear the matter at the next hearing docket.

If there are no objections by the board, a certificate is issued and signed by the Director of the Board of Pardons and Parole.

NOTE: The time frame for a certificate of eligibility is 45 days.
Eligibility Requirements for Restoration of Voting Rights:
1) Applicant cannot have a conviction for one of the following: Impeachment, treason, murder, rape (any degree), sexual abuse (any degree), incest, sexual torture, enticing a child to enter a vehicle for immoral purposes, soliciting a child by computer, production of obscene matter, parents or guardians permitting children to engage in obscene matter, possession of obscene matter, possession with intent to distribute to child pornography, or treason.
2) The applicant cannot have any felony charges pending against him.
3) The applicant must have finished his sentence and not be under probation or parole supervision.
4) The applicant must not owe any court ordered monies on his disqualifying cases or supervision fees.

NOTE: The local Board of Registrars must have a copy of your “Certificate of Eligibility” in order for your voting rights to be reinstated. You are responsible for providing them with the copy of your Certificate of Eligibility.

Credits: Secretary of State of Alabama – Elections Division

Legal Disclaimer: This document is not a substitute for the CODE OF ALABAMA. It is provided as a guide and is not intended to be an authoritative state of law. For further legal information, please consult the CODE OF ALABAMA or other appropriate legal resources.