Free eligibility checker — no sign-up required
Tennessee law allows most people with felony convictions to restore their right to vote. The process requires filing a petition in circuit court, and eligibility depends on your conviction date, offense type, and whether you have completed your sentence and met certain obligations.
Two recent legislative changes — HB 445 (2025) and SB 336 (2026) — significantly expanded who qualifies. Court costs are no longer a barrier, and the child support requirement changed from “fully current” to “12 months of compliance.” An estimated 184,000 Tennesseans became newly eligible under these changes.
Check Your Eligibility
Answer a few questions to find out whether you may be eligible to restore your voting rights under current Tennessee law. Takes about two minutes. No sign-up, no email, no contact form — just answers.
Your answers stay on your device. Nothing is stored or transmitted.
Who Qualifies for Voting Rights Restoration
Under current Tennessee law (T.C.A. § 40-29-201 through 40-29-205), you may be eligible to restore your voting rights if all of the following are true:
- You completed your full sentence, including any probation or parole
- You paid all court-ordered restitution to victims
- You are current on child support obligations (12 months of compliance under SB 336)
- Your conviction is not on the list of permanently disqualifying offenses
The restoration process requires filing a petition in the circuit court of the county where you live. A judge reviews the petition and, if everything is in order, enters an order restoring your right to vote.
Recent Changes to Tennessee Law
HB 445 (2025)
This law repealed the Certificate of Restoration (COR) administrative process that had been handled by the Board of Probation and Parole. All voting rights restoration now goes through circuit court. It also separated voting rights from firearms rights — restoring your vote no longer requires addressing gun rights in the same proceeding.
SB 336 (2026)
Signed into law on March 26, 2026, this bill made two significant changes. First, it eliminated the requirement to pay all court costs and fees before filing — only victim restitution remains as a financial requirement. Second, it changed the child support standard from “fully current on all obligations” to “12 months of compliance,” making restoration available to people who had old arrearages but have been paying consistently.
Permanently Disqualifying Offenses
Certain offenses permanently bar voting rights restoration. The list depends on when the conviction occurred:
- Convicted after January 1, 1986: First-degree murder, aggravated rape, treason, or voter fraud
- Convicted after July 1, 1996: Any murder conviction or any rape conviction
- Convicted after July 1, 2006: Bribery or public corruption offenses, or sex offenses against minors
If your conviction does not fall into any of these categories, you may still be eligible even if your offense was serious.
How the Petition Process Works
- Confirm you meet all eligibility requirements using the eligibility checker
- File a petition in circuit court in the county where you currently live
- Include documentation of sentence completion, restitution payments, and child support compliance
- The court reviews your petition — a hearing may or may not be required
- If granted, the court enters an order restoring your voting rights
- Register to vote with your county election commission
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer to file a voting rights restoration petition?
You are not required to have a lawyer, but the petition must meet specific legal requirements and include proper documentation. An attorney can help ensure your petition is complete and properly filed, which reduces the chance of delays or denial.
How long does the process take?
Processing time varies by county. Once your petition is filed, the court may schedule a hearing or may rule on the papers. In Davidson County, expect the process to take several weeks to a few months from filing to order.
Does restoring my voting rights also restore my gun rights?
No. Since HB 445 (2025), voting rights and firearms rights are handled separately. Restoring your right to vote does not affect your firearms eligibility, and vice versa.
What if I was convicted in another state but live in Tennessee now?
Tennessee courts handle restoration for people who live in Tennessee, regardless of where the conviction occurred. You would file in the circuit court of the Tennessee county where you currently reside.
I was convicted between 1973 and 1981. Do I need to file a petition?
During this period, Tennessee law did not strip voting rights for felony convictions (Gaskin v. Collins). If your only felony convictions fall within this window, you may never have lost your right to vote. You should be able to register without a court order.
What if my offense is on the permanently disqualifying list?
If your conviction is for an offense that permanently bars restoration — and the conviction date falls within the applicable time window — Tennessee law does not provide a path to restore voting rights through the standard petition process. A pardon from the governor is the only remaining option.
Related Practice Areas
Voting rights restoration is one piece of rebuilding after a felony conviction. Nathan Cate also handles post-conviction relief petitions, criminal appeals, and petitions to suspend remaining sentences. For CDL holders whose criminal record affects their commercial license, see CDL DUI in Tennessee. Attorneys who need expert testimony in criminal defense matters can retain a Court-Qualified Criminal Defense Expert Witness.
Talk to a Lawyer About Your Case
If you have questions about your eligibility or need help filing a petition, Nathan Cate handles voting rights restoration cases in Davidson County and throughout Middle Tennessee.
(615) 664-8083 · 222 2nd Avenue North, Suite 220, Nashville, TN 37201