Eligibility for Felons to Vote in Texas
Texas Election Code Section 141001
Section 141001 of the Texas Election Code generally provides that to be eligible to be a candidate for office in Texas, a person must not have been convicted of a felony.
Restoration of Voting Rights
Unlike some other states where felons lose their voting rights permanently, Texas restores voting rights to individuals after they have fully discharged their sentence or completed their probation or parole period.
Exceptions and Restrictions
Article 6 Section 1 (a) 3 of the Texas Constitution bars individuals with felony convictions from voting for specific offices, such as judges, peace officers, or members of the legislature.
Misdemeanor Convictions
It is important to note that individuals do not lose their right to vote if they are convicted of a misdemeanor in Texas.
Efforts to Expand Voting Rights
Advocacy groups have been advocating to restore voting rights to over 450,000 citizens in Texas with felony convictions.
Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court upheld in Richardson v. Ramirez that states have the right to prevent felons from voting after completing their sentences.
Recent Legislation
In 1997, the Texas legislature passed a law that restored voting rights to felons who had fully discharged their sentences. However, the Texas Senate recently voted to increase penalties for illegal voting.
Voting Rights in Other States
In 14 states, people with felony convictions automatically regain the right to vote upon release from prison. In 15 other states, felons lose their voting rights during incarceration and for a period of time afterward.
Presidential Eligibility
Although the U.S. Constitution does not explicitly bar felons from serving as president, several states have laws that prohibit individuals with felony convictions from holding certain public offices.
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