Can a Felon Vote in North Carolina? (Updated)

Located in the southern part of the United States, North Carolina is a state founded by Virginia Colonists in 1653. North Carolina ranks as the 9^thstate with the largest population in the country. The state holds a total population of 9,535,483 last 2016.

As of 2011, the number of convicts in North Carolina was 39 678. About 93% percent of these were male and only 7% were female. These prisoners varied in race of which 57% were black, 35% were white and the remaining 8% were from other races.

Democracy is a customary political system, which retains all human rights and the freedom of its people. A democratic government gives equal opportunities, including the right to vote. An eligible voter may be limited in age, but never in status because every citizen has a rightful privilege to choose a leader.

Can Felons Vote in North Carolina?

A convicted felon loses the right of citizenship, including the privilege to participate in voting elections. He or she cannot vote even in prison.

Only an offender charged under felony is considered an ineligible voter of the state. Other nature of an offense not related to felony retains voting rights.

The state of North Carolina does not allow felons to vote until the completion of three important periods. The parole, probation and sentence periods of a felon must be legally accomplished.

Even after discharge, felons cannot still vote in North Carolina and must wait for the designated time of release.

How can Felons Restore Voting Right in North Carolina?

Despite having a serious criminal conviction, felons in North Carolina are given the chance to restore their voting rights. However, it is only possible after the unconditional restoration of rights of citizenship.

By the power Democracy Restoration Act, disenfranchised individuals are given the privilege to restore their rights of citizenship.
To regain the civil rights, the offender must gain an unconditional pardon from the state of North Carolina
After receiving a full discharge, a felon must wait for until his or her rights are completely restored.
To vote, the offender must register presenting his or valid documents.

Although it takes a long process before felons can restore voting rights in this state, North Carolina is still one of those states that don’t permanently remove the voting rights of offenders guilty of felony.