Your Right to Vote if Convicted of A Crime

In addition to the general requirements you must meet in order to vote in Maryland, there are special rules if you have been convicted of certain crimes and/or are currently under certain restrictions within the criminal justice system. Maryland prevents people convicted of buying and selling votes from voting in all elections.

You can vote even if you were convicted of a felony, if:

• The felony convictions are not for the crime of buying or selling votes and
• You have completed your sentence.

You cannot vote if:

• you have ever been convicted of buying or selling votes; or
• have been convicted of a felony and are actually serving a court–ordered sentence of imprisonment, including any term of parole or probation, for the conviction; or
• are under guardianship for mental disability; see Md. Ann. Code art. EL, § 3-102

Maryland State Board of Elections published a helpful brochure on voter registration (2008).

Working with the Board of Elections if you believe you were incorrectly removed from the voter rolls - A person may be removed from the voter registry once the Board of Election recieves notice from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene or from the official vital statistics agency of another state of the death or conviction of a registered voter.  See COMAR 33.05.06.05

• You can object to that removal.

• You can object by sending your objection in writing to your local election board.

Working with the Board of Elections to register to vote after you have been removed – In order to restore your right to vote you must do the following:

• Complete all the requirements of your sentencing (including restitutions, fines, community service and probation).
• Contact the Circuit Court where you were sentenced or the Department of Public Safety and Correction Services if you are not sure if you have completed all requirements.
• Complete a voter registration form available in English and Spanish on the Board of Elections website.