How do I restore my right to vote?

It is empowering to make your voice heard and participate in the political process.  As United States citizens and taxpayers, we enjoy the right to participate in decision-making matters that could affect our personal lives or the lives of our loved ones. Unfortunately, that is not true for all citizens in cities across the country -- including Chattanooga.  As of 2010, former felons living in Tennessee currently on probation or parole cannot vote.  This is known as disenfranchisement.  More than 7 percent of the adult population in Tennessee is disenfranchised, and nearly 5.85 million Americans cannot vote due to a felony conviction. 
Research shows that people who commit crimes are more likely to stay out of prison or jail if they regain their right to vote, so helping members of our city regain the right to vote helps strengthen our city for everyone.  

If you or someone you know may be eligible to restore voting rights, review the eligibility requirements and step-by-step instructions in our Restore Your Rights Guide, below.

Step 1:

Review the Guide to the Restore Your Rights
Below you will find information to determine your eligibility to restore your voting rights based on your conviction date.

Step 2:

Persons can restore their voting rights by petitioning the Hamilton County Circuit Court, or for those convicted after 1986, by submitting a completed Certificate of Restoration of Voting Rights to the Hamilton County Election Commission.  
  • Complete the Petition by providing information listed in the sample petition found here.
  • Complete the Certificate of Restoration of Voting Rights and follow all instructions contained in the application. This form must be completed by the Criminal Court Clerk's Office, your probation officer, or your parole officer. 

In either case, please confirm you have paid all court costs and fines. Also, all applicants convicted of a felony after May 15, 1981, must be current in all child support matters.

To expedite the process, applicants may submit a Voter Registration form with their Certificate of Restoration or the Order from the Circuit Court.  Voter Registration forms must be submitted 30 days before the election. If you miss the deadline, it is still important to submit your applications for future elections.   

You can find more helpful tools and information by clicking on the Resource tab.