ASL version

If you are DeafBlind or prefer to watch the video in a high contrast format, watch the DeafBlind friendlier ASL version instead. To adjust the video speed, use YouTube's playback speed tool.

English version

Your criminal record does NOT affect your right to vote in Minnesota unless you are currently incarcerated serving a felony conviction sentence.

Voting after a felony conviction

As of June 1, 2023, you can vote as long as you are not currently incarcerated for a felony sentence, a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years old on Election Day, and a resident of Minnesota for at least 20 days.

Voting after your rights are restored

If you were incarcerated for a felony sentence, you can vote once incarceration is complete. When your right to vote has been restored, you must register to vote. You can register in three ways.

• Online at MNVotes website
• With a paper form, returned by mail to the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State or your county election office
• In person at your county election office

You can vote under these situations.

• Charged or convicted of a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor. Yes, you can vote.
• In jail but not currently serving a felony sentence. Yes, you can vote.
• Charged with a felony but not convicted. Yes, you can vote.
• Given a stay of adjudication (not officially guilty of a crime but the judge has requirements such as community service, probation, or counseling). Yes, you can vote.
• Convicted of a felony in another state but not currently incarcerated. Yes, you can vote.
• On probation or parole after a felony conviction. Yes, you can vote.
• Convicted of a felony and currently on work release. Yes, you can vote.

You cannot vote if you are currently in prison serving a felony conviction.

For further information about those new voting laws, check out the MNVotes website or call 1-877-600-VOTE.

Credits

The Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State and the Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind & Hard of Hearing thank:

Jer Loudenback for ASL talent.

Becky Lukkason for voiceover. 

Keystone Interpreting Solutions for film production.