New Jersey doesn't make it easy to understand the rules. For a long time, the law was pretty harsh. If you were caught up in the system, you basically lost your voice. But things changed big time a few years ago, and honestly, a lot of people still haven't gotten the memo.
So, let's get right to the point. Can felons vote in NJ? Yes. Mostly.
The short answer is that if you are not currently behind bars, you probably have the right to vote. It doesn't matter if you have a "felony" (which NJ actually calls an indictable offense). It doesn't matter if you're on parole. It doesn't matter if you're on probation. If you're walking the streets, you’re likely eligible to head to the polls.
The Big Shift: Law A5823
For decades, New Jersey was one of those states that kept you off the voter rolls until you were completely "off paper." That meant finishing your prison time, then finishing parole, then finishing probation. It was a long road.
Everything changed on March 17, 2020. Governor Phil Murphy signed Assembly Bill 5823 into law, which effectively restored the right to vote to over 80,000 New Jerseyans who were living in their communities but still under supervision.
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This was a massive deal. Before this law, you could be working, paying taxes, and raising a family, but you couldn't vote for the people making decisions about your life just because you had a meeting with a parole officer once a month.
The Current Rule
Basically, there is now a "bright-line" rule in the Garden State.
- In Prison? No, you cannot vote if you are currently serving a sentence of incarceration for an indictable offense.
- On Parole? Yes, you can vote.
- On Probation? Yes, you can vote.
- Finished everything? Yes, definitely.
It’s worth noting that if you’re in jail awaiting trial (a pre-trial detainee) or in on a "disorderly persons offense" (what other states call a misdemeanor), you never actually lost your right to vote in the first place. You can even vote from jail via a mail-in ballot in those specific cases.
Why Does This Matter?
Honestly, the history here is a bit heavy. The New Jersey Institute for Social Justice points out that New Jersey’s disenfranchisement laws dated back to 1844. That was the same year the state constitution limited voting to white men.
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Because of the way the justice system works, these old laws disproportionately hit Black communities. By changing the law in 2020, NJ took a huge step toward fixing a system that had effectively silenced tens of thousands of people for over a century.
The "How-To" for Restoring Your Rights
Just because the law says you can vote doesn't mean you're automatically back on the list. You have to take action. Your right to vote is restored, but your registration is not. If you were registered before your conviction, that registration was likely cancelled. You have to start over.
- Check your status. If you aren't sure if you're registered, you can check the NJ Department of State website.
- Register again. You can do this online, by mail, or in person.
- Watch the clock. New Jersey requires you to register at least 21 days before an election.
You don't need any special "clemency" paperwork or a letter from your PO. You just fill out the standard voter registration form. When you sign that form, you are swearing that you aren't currently serving a sentence of incarceration for an indictable offense. That's it.
Common Myths and Mistakes
People get scared. I've talked to folks who think if they vote while on parole, they'll get sent back to prison. That is simply not true in New Jersey anymore.
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Another big one: Fines and Restitution. In some states (looking at you, Florida), you have to pay off every cent of your court fines before you can vote. Not in New Jersey. Your debt to the court does not affect your right to the ballot box. If you owe money but you're out of prison, you can vote.
What about Jury Duty?
This is a brand new update as of January 2026. For a long time, even if you could vote, you could never serve on a jury if you had a conviction. Governor Murphy recently signed an executive order ending that lifetime ban for people who have completed their full sentences (including parole and probation). While voting rights come back the moment you leave prison, jury rights now come back once you are completely "off paper."
Actionable Steps to Take Today
If you or someone you know has a past conviction and wants to participate in the next election, here is exactly what needs to happen:
- Confirm Eligibility: Are you currently physically in prison for a felony-level crime? If no, you are eligible.
- Get the Form: Go to NJElections.org to register online. It takes about five minutes.
- Identify Yourself: You’ll need your NJ Driver’s License number or the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- Spread the Word: Many people on parole still think they are barred for life. Tell them the law changed.
- Meet the Deadline: If there is an election coming up, make sure that form is submitted or postmarked at least 21 days out.
The system only works if people show up. Now that the law in New Jersey has caught up with the idea of "second chances," the only thing left to do is actually use that right.