Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 29A.08.520 — Felony conviction — Restoration of voting rights., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 29A.08.520. Felony conviction — Restoration of voting rights.
(1) For a felony conviction in a Washington state court, the right to vote is automatically restored as long as the person is not serving a sentence of total confinement under the jurisdiction of the department of corrections. For a felony conviction in a federal court or any state court other than a Washington state court, the right to vote is automatically restored as long as the person is no longer incarcerated. A person who has been convicted of a felony and is either sentenced to a term of total confinement under the jurisdiction of the department of corrections or otherwise incarcerated as provided for in this subsection must reregister to vote prior to voting.
(2) At least once a month, the secretary of state shall compare the list of registered voters to a list of persons who are not eligible to vote as provided in subsection (1) of this section. If a registered voter is not eligible to vote as provided in this section, the secretary of state or county auditor shall confirm the match through a date of birth comparison and suspend the voter registration from the official state voter registration list. The secretary of state or county auditor shall send to the person at his or her last known voter registration address and at the department of corrections, if the person is serving a sentence of total confinement under the jurisdiction of the department, a notice of the proposed cancellation and an explanation of the requirements for restoring the right to vote and reregistering. To the extent possible, the secretary of state shall time the comparison required by this subsection to allow notice and cancellation of voting rights for ineligible voters prior to a primary or general election.
(3) For the purposes of this section, a sentence of total confinement does not include confinement imposed as a sanction for a community custody violation under RCW
9.94A.633(1).
Notes
Effective date—2021 c 10: "This act takes effect January 1, 2022." [
2021 c 10 s 8.]
Effective date—2005 c 246: See note following RCW
10.64.140.
Effective dates—2004 c 267: See note following RCW
29A.08.010.
Severability—Effective date—1994 c 57: See notes following RCW
29A.16.040.
Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 29A.08.520
What does Revised Code of Washington § 29A.08.520 cover?
Section 29A.08.520 ("Felony conviction — Restoration of voting rights.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Washington § 29A.08.520?
A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 29A.08.520" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Washington law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.
How does Washington § 29A.08.520 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.
