You’ve probably heard a dozen different things about whether a felony conviction strips away your voice at the ballot box forever. It’s one of those topics that gets buried in legal jargon and "he-said-she-said" politics. Honestly, the answer in Missouri is simpler than you might think, but the timing is everything. If you're wondering, can felons vote in Missouri, the short answer is yes—but there’s a massive "when" attached to that.
In the Show-Me State, your right to vote isn't gone for good. It’s just on pause. Missouri law treats your voting rights like a restricted privilege while you are "under the supervision" of the Department of Corrections. Once that leash is off, the door opens back up. But don't just head to the polls the day you get home; there are specific hoops you have to jump through first.
The "Final Discharge" Rule: When the Clock Starts
Basically, Missouri operates on a "completion of sentence" model. This means you aren't just waiting to get out of a cell. You have to be completely done with every single part of your sentence.
If you are currently sitting in a Missouri prison, you cannot vote. If you are out but still meeting with a parole officer every month, you cannot vote. If you’re on probation and still have six months of check-ins left, you cannot vote. You have to reach what the state calls "Final Discharge." This is the official paperwork that says the state is done with you. No more parole. No more probation. No more "paper."
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There is one weird, specific exception you should know about: SIS (Suspended Imposition of Sentence). If a judge gave you an SIS and you are currently on probation for it, you actually can vote in Missouri. Why? Because legally, an SIS isn’t considered a "conviction" unless you mess up and the judge officially sentences you. It’s a tiny nuance that many people—even some election officials—get confused about.
Election Crimes: The Permanent Ban
Now, I have to give you the "bad news" fine print. While most people get their rights back, there is a small group that doesn't. If your felony was "connected to the right of suffrage"—which is a fancy way of saying election fraud, voter intimidation, or bribery related to voting—you are likely barred for life. Missouri doesn't play around with people who try to mess with the integrity of the system itself.
Registration Isn't Automatic (The Big Myth)
A lot of people think that once they finish parole, the state just flips a switch and they’re back on the voter rolls. That is 100% false.
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When you get convicted of a felony, the court notifies the Secretary of State, and they scrub you from the list. They do not "un-scrub" you automatically when you finish your time. You have to re-register just like a first-time voter.
The current Secretary of State, Denny Hoskins, oversees this process. As of 2026, the rules require you to submit a brand-new registration application. You can do this online, by mail, or in person at your local election authority (like the County Clerk’s office).
What Documentation Do You Need?
Technically, the law says you just need to swear under penalty of perjury that you’ve completed your sentence. However, reality can be a bit more stubborn. Sometimes the state’s database is slow to update.
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It is a very smart move to keep a copy of your Discharge Papers (the "gold seal" document from the Board of Probation and Parole). If a poll worker or the clerk’s office challenges your eligibility, having that paper is your "get out of jail free" card—literally. It proves you’ve paid your debt in full.
The 2026 Legislative Landscape
It’s worth mentioning that things are shifting. Right now, in the 2026 legislative session, there have been several bills—like HB 2592 and HB 2834—introduced to change these rules. Some lawmakers want to allow people on probation or parole to vote while they are still in the community. They argue that if you're working and paying taxes, you should have a say.
As of today, these bills haven't become law yet. So, the old rule still stands: No voting until the parole ends. ## How to Get Back in the Game
If you’ve finished your sentence, here is exactly how you handle it. Don't overthink it.
- Verify your status: Call your old parole officer or the Department of Corrections if you aren't 100% sure you've been "finally discharged."
- Get your ID: Missouri has strict photo ID laws. Make sure your driver's license or non-driver ID is current.
- Register by the deadline: You must register at least 28 days before an election. If you wait until the week of the election, you’re out of luck until the next one.
- The "Safe" Method: If you’re worried about being rejected, go to the County Clerk’s office in person. If they have a question, you can talk to a human right there instead of getting a "denied" letter in the mail three weeks later.
Missouri's system is built on the idea of redemption—at least where the ballot is concerned. Once you’ve done your time, the state considers the debt paid. You don't need a pardon from the Governor. You don't need a lawyer. You just need to fill out a form and show up.
Your Next Action Items:
Check your discharge date on your final supervision paperwork. If that date has passed, visit the Missouri Secretary of State’s website or your local Board of Elections to fill out a new voter registration card today. If you’ve lost your discharge papers, contact the Missouri Department of Corrections at (573) 751-2389 to request a copy of your records before you head to the clerk's office.