How To: Restore Your Voting Rights
Based on the Alabama Constitution, people who commit "crimes of moral turpitude" lose their right to vote. This felony disenfranchisement law prevents approximately 250,000 Alabamians with felony convictions from voting. Confusion about and misapplication of these laws also de facto disenfranchise countless other Alabamians. A new law enacted in 2017 defined a list of crimes of moral turpitude, making it easier for many to restore their voting rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is voting rights restoration and who needs it?
- What crimes are on the list of crimes of moral turpitude?
- How do I apply to restore my voting rights?
- Are there any upcoming clinics in my area?
- What are my rights when I vote?
Resources
We have also created resources to help people and organizations that are interested in assisting with voting rights restoration.
- Webpage: Voting in the 2020 Election
- Handout: Guidelines for Alabama Voters Convicted of Crimes [PDF]
- Postcard: Know Your Rights Voting Restoration [PDF]
- Social Media Graphics: How To Restore Your Voting Rights - Step 1, Step 2, Step 3, Step 4 [PNG]
Other Organizations
- Alabama Civic Engagement (ACE) Coalition
- Legal Services Alabama
- The Ordinary Peoples Society (TOPS)
- Campaign Legal Center
Additional Resources
Know Your Rights: Voting Rights
How To: Restore Your Voting Rights | Voting Rights Toolkit
ACLU National: Voting Rights | Voter Intimidation
Page last revised: August 31, 2020
Related content

Alabama’s Effort to Suppress Black Vote Couldn’t Prevent Huge Turnout
December 14, 2017
Voting is more than a privilege, it's a right
July 6, 2017
Speak Freely: The Alabama Governor Just Signed a Bill That Will...
May 26, 2017
Voting in the 2022 Election
May 2, 2022
The Fight for Voting Rights: How the Past Informs the Current...
February 23, 2022
Comment on U.S. Supreme Court Ruling in Alabama Redistricting Case
February 7, 2022
Federal Court Blocks Alabama’s New Congressional Map, Orders...
January 24, 2022