Can a Felon Vote in Puerto Rico? The Answer May Surprise You

Felony convictions have a profound impact on an individual’s rights and freedoms, including the right to vote. The impact of felony convictions on voting rights varies from state to state within the United States, and Puerto Rico is a unique case. As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico has its own set of laws and regulations when it comes to voting rights. This article will explore the question of whether a felon can vote in Puerto Rico.

Overview of Voting Rights in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, which means that its residents are U.S. citizens, but they do not have the same rights as citizens living in the 50 states. Puerto Rico has its own constitution and its own set of laws and regulations governing voting rights.

Felon Voting Rights in Puerto Rico

Unlike some states in the U.S., Puerto Rico does not have a law that permanently strips felons of their voting rights. This means that felons who have completed their sentence, including probation and parole, can vote in Puerto Rico.

Also Read: Can a Husband and Wife Have a Gun if One is a Felon?

Restoring Voting Rights in Puerto Rico

If a person is convicted of a felony in Puerto Rico, they will lose their right to vote while serving their sentence. Once they have completed their sentence, including any probation or parole, their voting rights are automatically restored. There is no need to go through a separate application process or petition to have voting rights restored.

Federal Felon Voting Laws

It is worth noting that even though Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, federal felon voting laws do not apply to Puerto Rico. The 1965 Voting Rights Act and the 1993 National Voter Registration Act, which prohibit states from denying voting rights to felons who have completed their sentences, do not apply to Puerto Rico.

Voting Rights Activism in Puerto Rico

Voting rights activism is gaining momentum in Puerto Rico, and there have been efforts to expand voting rights for felons. In 2019, a bill was introduced in the Puerto Rico House of Representatives that would allow felons who have completed their sentences to vote. The bill did not pass, but it highlights the growing conversation around voting rights in Puerto Rico.

Conclusion

In conclusion, felons who have completed their sentence, including probation and parole, can vote in Puerto Rico. There is no separate application process or petition required to restore voting rights in Puerto Rico. However, it is worth noting that federal felon voting laws do not apply to Puerto Rico, and there is still ongoing activism to expand voting rights for felons in Puerto Rico.

FAQs

Are felons in Puerto Rico allowed to vote in federal elections?

No, Puerto Rico residents are not allowed to vote in federal elections, including presidential elections.

Is there a waiting period before a felon’s voting rights are restored in Puerto Rico?

No, there is no waiting period. Felons who have completed their sentence, including probation and parole, can vote immediately in Puerto Rico.

Can felons on probation or parole vote in Puerto Rico?

Yes, felons on probation or parole can vote in Puerto Rico as long as they have completed their sentence.

Can felons vote in Puerto Rico if they were convicted in another state or territory?

Yes, felons who were convicted in another state or territory can vote in Puerto Rico as long as they have completed their sentence.

Are there any efforts to expand voting rights for felons in Puerto Rico?

Yes, there have been efforts to expand voting rights for felons in Puerto Rico, including a 2019 bill introduced in the Puerto Rico House of Representatives.