Voting rights for felons are restored upon a felon’s completion of his sentence, including the serving of parole and probation. Under the law in Arkansas, failure to meet certain financial and legal obligations in connection with a conviction can result in barring the re-establishment of voting rights.
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Felon Voting Law in Arkansas
In order to vote in Arkansas, you must not be a felon whose sentence has not been pardoned or discharged. A discharged sentence means you are not incarcerated, on parole or on probation. If you wish to request a pardon in order to restore rights, you need to make a filing with the state’s parole board.
How a Felon in Arkansas Can Restore Their Voting Rights
One way a felon can restore his voting rights is by opting for expungement. Expungement in Arkansas allows a conviction record to be sealed, which treats an offense as if it had not happened. A felon whose record is sealed has all his civil liberties restored, including his voting rights.
Ineligibility for Expungement
However, the following records cannot be sealed in the state:
· A sex offense in which a victim is under 18 years old.
· A felony in which the individual spent time in the state’s Department of Corrections
· A class A or B felony that is not a drug offense
· A class Y felony
· An unclassified felony where the felon served over 10 years
· A violent crime
Eligibility for Expungement
A felon who is eligible for expungement can be on probation for a drug-related crime. This provision does not apply if you pled nolo contender or guilty to any of the following crimes –
· Residential or commercial burglary
· Breaking and entering
· Four or more DWIs
Misdemeanor Cases Can also Be Expunged
Misdemeanor cases can also be expunged unless there is clear evidence why they should not be. This rule does not apply to negligent homicide (if it is a class A felony), third-degree battery, public sexual indecency, indecent exposure, fourth-degree sexual assault, third-degree domestic abuse or DWI. These crimes may be expunged after a 5-year period has passed after the completion of a sentence.
Probation Cases
Probation in relation to possession of a controlled substance and probation for first-time felons can also be expunged, provided you have not plead guilty of another controlled substance offense, received a fine over $3,500 or was sentenced to a correctional facility or prison. You can find out more about expungement by clicking on this link.
Other than expungement, felons can ask for a pardon to restore rights or may fill out the proper voter registration form along with their discharge paperwork.
Other Resources For Felons in Arkansas
Getting Started: If this is your first time to our website, we highly recommend that you visit our getting started page to understand everything we have to offer. You can do so by clicking here.
Jobs For Felons: If you’re a felon looking for a job in Arkansas, we have all of the resources you need including job listings by city, companies that hire felons, and our own job board. Click Here to learn more.
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