Returning Citizens Archives | American Democracy Minute

Appeals Court Affirms North Carolina’s Jim Crow-Era Returning Felon Voting Law is Unconstitutional, and Questions Why It Wasn’t Repealed

September 24, 2025September 24, 2025

The striking down of an 1877 Jim Crow-era law making it a crime for citizens convicted of a felony to vote when their rights had not yet been restored was affirmed by a federal appeals court Sept. 12th. Judges asked why the North Carolina legislature had not already repealed the law.

Tennessee Enacts Voting Rights Restoration for Citizens Returning from Incarceration for Common Felonies

May 6, 2025May 6, 2025

Returning Tennessee citizens convicted of most felonies can now have their voting rights returned by a court order, rather than a pardon from the governor, under a law enacted May 2nd. It also removed the requirement that all fees be paid prior to those rights being restored.

VA Legislature Sends Several Pro-Voter Bills to Gov. Youngkin, and a Constitutional Amendment Restoring Returning Citizen Rights to Voters

February 25, 2025February 25, 2025

In the coming weeks, Virginia GOP Governor Glenn Youngkin considers multiple pro-voter bills sent to his desk by a Democratic-majority legislature. A state constitutional amendment also moves to the November ballot which restores voting rights to returning citizens after felony convictions.

While We Were Distracted with DC Discord, States Advance New Voting Regulations

January 22, 2025January 22, 2025

While President Donald Trump’s Jan. 6th pardons and executive orders have dominated the news, state legislatures have been hard at work on both pro-voter and anti-voter legislation. Democracy legislation tracker Voting Rights Lab counts 432 election bills pending in 32 states, with 100 of those bills restricting voter access, while 205 expand it.

After losing two recounts in State Supreme Court Race, North Carolina GOP Candidate Is Still Challenging the Eligibility of 60,000 Voters

December 11, 2024December 11, 2024

After two recounts, an incumbent North Carolina Supreme Court justice was declared the winner by 734 votes, with 5.5 million ballots cast. Her GOP challenger now claims 60,000 of those voters were ineligible.