Felony disenfranchisement
Felony disenfranchisement: The loss of the right to vote because of a criminal conviction. Section 2 of the Fourteenth Amendment refers to the right to vote being "abridged, except for participation in rebellion, or other crime," and in Richardson v. Ramirez, 418 U.S. 24 (1974), the Supreme Court upheld a state law denying the vote to people with felony convictions. Rules vary widely: as of 2025, Maine, Vermont, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico let people vote even while in prison, while other states restore voting rights at release, after a sentence is finished, or only by individual action.
What felony disenfranchisement means
In practice, you will see felony disenfranchisement in pleadings, motions, orders and court rules. The definition above explains the general meaning. Even so, the meaning can shift with context. Therefore, always read it alongside the rule or document where it appears.
Where felony disenfranchisement comes up
The term is used across many kinds of cases. For example, you may see it in pleadings, motions and court orders. To see it in context, browse the motions and procedures library or the Learn the Law topics.
How to research the term
To research felony disenfranchisement, begin with the rule, statute or contract where the word is used. Each one can give it a slightly different meaning. Then compare that text with how courts in your area have applied it. Also check the local rules of your court, since they can add requirements. If your case is in state court, the state rules control. So start with our state procedures guide to find them. In the end, always confirm that the source you rely on is current.
You can read the current federal court rules online for free.
Related legal terms
- Federal Register: the daily official publication of the federal government for agency rules, proposed rules and notices, and presidential documents, published under the Federal Register Act (44 U.S.C. ch. 15). Courts must take judicial notice of its contents (44 U.S.C. § 1507).
- Federal Reserve: the central bank of the United States, created by the Federal Reserve Act of 1913.
- Federal Reserve note: paper currency issued by the Federal Reserve Banks, which is the paper money in everyday use in the United States.
- Felony: a serious crime. Under federal law, it is an offense with a maximum prison term of more than one year (18 U.S.C. § 3559(a)(1) to (5)). A felony conviction can carry lasting effects, such as limits on firearm possession. Each state defines its own felonies.
Why precise terms matter
Legal words often look like everyday words, but they can carry a precise meaning. Because of that, a small misreading can change how you understand a deadline, a duty or a right. Our glossary keeps each definition short and links it to the procedures where it matters.
Sources
Sources last reviewed: 2026-10-24
Lawtopolis provides legal information and education, not legal advice. Using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and court rules vary by jurisdiction and change over time; verify every authority against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction about your situation.