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* The states that bar "ex-felons" from voting vary in their re-enfranchisement criteria. Details follow:

1. Alabama - Ex-felons, except for some violent offenders, may apply to have their vote restored immediately upon completion of their full sentence.
   Instructions for Voting Restoration, State of Alabama  (PDF 18KB) (as of May 10, 2007)

2. Arizona - Automatic voting restoration at completion of sentence for first-time offenders. Others may apply for restoration with their county after completion of their sentence.

3. Delaware - Those seeking restoration must wait five years after completion of their sentence before applying for voting restoration. Persons convicted of some violent crimes such as murder, manslaughter, and sex offenses must seek a formal pardon from the governor.

4. Florida - Individuals that meet certain criteria can have their voting privileges automatically restored by the Clemency Board upon completion of their full sentence, including fines and fees.  Those who do not meet the qualifications may apply to the Clemency Board.
   Florida Rules of Executive Clemency  (PDF 76KB) (as of May 10, 2007)
   Florida Clemency Application  (PDF 64KB)  (as of May 10, 2007)

5. Iowa - "Executive Order 42 grants a blanket restoration of citizenship rights [including voting restoration and holding public office] for all offenders that completely discharged their sentences, including any term of probation, parole, or supervised release as of July 4, 2005. After July 4, 2005, the Department of Corrections will forward to the Governor each month a record of offenders that have discharged their sentences, including any accompanying term of probation, parole, or supervised release. The Governor will consider without undue delay these individuals for a restoration of citizenship rights. If granted, a restoration of citizenship certificate will be issued to the offender’s last known address. [...] For offenders that will completely discharge their sentences after July 4, 2005, a record of their names will automatically be sent each month to the Governor, who will determine whether restoration is warranted. Offenders may still file an application for a restoration of citizenship rights to the Governor at any time after a conviction."
   May 10, 2007, "Restoration of Citizenship Rights – Frequently Asked Questions," website of the Governor of Iowa
   Executive Order 42  (PDF 686KB) - Signed July 4, 2005, Thomas J. Vilsack, J.D. , Governor (D)
   Iowa Clemency Application  (PDF 115KB) - Obtained May 10, 2007, Iowa Office of the Governor

6. Kentucky - Voting rights can be restored only when the Governor approves an application for an executive pardon for reinstatement of voting rights from an individual after completion of his/her sentence.
   Application for Restoration of Civil Rights, State of Kentucky  (PDF 15KB) (as of May 10, 2007)

7. Maryland - For persons with a first-time felony conviction, the right to vote is restored automatically upon completion of sentence and the payment of any fines or restitution. All persons convicted of a second non-violent offense may register to vote three years after completion of their sentence.

8. Mississippi - An individual, after completion of their sentence, must go to his or her state representative and convince them to personally author a bill reenfranchising that individual. Both houses of the legislature must then pass the bill, and the governor must sign it. Each year about 10 to 12 people are re-enfranchised in Mississippi.

9. Nebraska - Individuals are automatically permitted to vote two years after completion of their sentence.

10. Nevada - Voting rights are automatically restored two years after the completion of the sentence to all persons convicted of a first-time, non-violent offense. Others may apply directly to the Division of Parole and Probation upon their discharge from probation.

11. Tennessee - All persons convicted since 1981, except for some serious felony offenses, may apply to the Board of Probation and Parole for voting restoration upon completion of their sentence.

12. Virginia - Individuals convicted of most offenses may apply for a gubernatorial restoration of rights three years after completion of their sentence. Those convicted of violent felonies, drug sales, and electoral offenses must wait five years.
    Virginia Application for Rights Restoration, Short Form, Non-violent / Non-drug Felonies  (PDF 50KB)  (as of May 10, 2007)
    Virginia Application for Rights Restoration, Long Form, Violent / Drug Distribution Felonies  (PDF 129KB)   (as of May 10, 2007)

13. Washington - Voting is restored "to all felons who have satisfied the terms of their sentences except for paying legal financial obligations, and who, due to their financial status, are unable to pay their legal financial obligations immediately." The language, from a King County superior Court order  (PDF 583KB), was appealed to the Washington State Supreme Court  (PDF 630KB), and was rejected on July 26, 2007 (see Madison v. Washington  (PDF 158KB) .
    See Instructions and Explanations of Voting Restoration in Washington  (PDF 120KB)  (as of May 10, 2007)

14. Wyoming - Those convicted of a first-time non-violent offense may apply to the Board of Parole for voting restoration five years after completion of their sentence, while other offenders must apply directly to the governor five years after completion of their sentence.