Government Information: Restoration of Voting Rights for Convicted Felons in AR

Did you know?

Even if you have been convicted of a felony,

you can have your voting rights restored under certain situations? 

How about your right to petition the court to have the record of your conviction

sealed once you have completed the terms of your sentence (exemptions may apply)?

Steps to Restoring Your Voting Rights:

1. Obtain proof from the appropriate state or local agencies that all of the below-mentioned requirements have been completed or proof that your record has been expunged as described on the next page.
2. Submit said proof to the Voter Registration Department of the county clerk’s office where the convicted felon now resides.
3. Complete an Arkansas Voter Registration Application and return it to the Voter Registration Department of the county clerk’s office (See the link in the bottom box to find information for your specific county).

Arkansas Code Information:

Arkansas law affords convicted felons the unique opportunity to have their voting rights restored under certain conditions. The felon must provide proof to the county clerk that he or she (1) has been discharged from probation or parole, (2) has paid all probation or parole fees, (3) satisfied all terms of imprisonment, and (4) paid all applicable court costs, fines, or restitution (Ark. Code Ann. Amend. 51 §11(d)(2)(A-D)).

Steps to Expunging Your Record:

1. You must meet the following criteria:
     a. First-time, non-violent offender.
     b. Completed all parole and probation requirements.
     c. Paid all court costs, fines, restitution, etc.
2. Obtain a “Petition to Seal” form by visiting the Court Records Department of the county clerk’s office. (See the link in the bottom box to find information for your specific county).
3. Complete the “Petition to Seal” form in its entirety and return it to the Court Records Department of the county clerk’s office. A $50 filing fee will be charged.

Arkansas Code Information:

You have the right to petition the court to have the record of your conviction sealed once you have completed the terms of your sentence (exceptions may apply). However, petitioning to have your record sealed does not guarantee you will be approved. Moreover, you may only use this provision of the law to seal your record one time. (Ark. Code Ann. 16-90-601; §16-90-605; §16-90-605; § 16-90-901; §16-90-906; §16-93-301; §16-93-303)