Voter Restoration
Voter restoration is the process of reinstating voting rights to individuals who have been disenfranchised due to felony convictions. The goal is to ensure that individuals who have served their sentences can fully participate in the democratic process by regaining their right to vote, as the process may vary.
Why It Matters
With over 420,000 individuals in Tennessee with past felon convictions unable to currently vote, one in every 12 adults within the state, the act of restoration of voting rights (RVR) emphasizes a fundamental aspect of our democracy: the right to vote.
Compared to states across the nation, Tennessee’s process of restoring voting rights is more complex and restrictive. As of 2016, less than 4% of eligible individuals had their voting rights restored, with many individuals unaware of the possibility of restoring their voting and civil rights. In Tennessee’s general population, a large portion remains unaware and uninformed of the pathways and challenges.
LWVTN’s Research Findings
With over 420,000 individuals in Tennessee with past felon convictions unable to currently vote, one in every 12 adults within the state, the act of restoration of voting rights (RVR) emphasizes a fundamental aspect of our democracy: the right to vote.
New Obstacles
As of July 2023, new obstacles/guidelines have been updated to Tennessee’s restoration process:
- A petition must be filed to the courts for restoration of full citizenship.
- A pardon from the governor must be received before submitting a Certificate of Restoration.