RESTORATION OF RIGHTS

In accordance with W.S. §7-13-105, persons five (5) or more years from their completion of sentence including applicable periods of probation or parole for a nonviolent felony(ies) arising out of the same occurrence or related course of events, are eligible providing the individual has not been convicted of felonies other than the conviction(s) arising from the same occurrence for which restoration of rights is being sought.

Voting Rights

Persons who are first time, nonviolent felons automatically have their voting rights restored upon completion of their supervision or sentence.

Remaining Rights

The right to be an elector, juror or to hold any office of honor, trust or profit within the State of Wyoming or to use or knowingly possess any firearm.

Non-Violent Felony & First Time Non-Violent Felony

All felony offense(s) not otherwise defined as “violent felonies”. First time felony conviction where the individual has not been convicted of any prior felony other than the conviction(s) arising out of the same occurrence or related events.

Violent Felony

As defined by W.S. § 6-1-104 (a)(xii) - includes murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, sexual assault in the first or second degree, robbery, aggravated assault, strangulation of a household member, aircraft hijacking, arson in the first or second degree, aggravated burglary, a violation of W.S. § 6-2-314(a)(i) or 6-2-315(a)(ii), third, or subsequent, domestic battery under W.S.§ 6-2-511(a) and (b)(iii) or a violation of W.S. § 6-5-204(b), Interference with a Peace Officer (includes attempt and conspiracy to the underlying offense, as well).

Related Course of Events

Series of events closely related in time OR location. Under the plain meaning of “closely related in time,” the crime would typically be an illicit action leading to, or logically connected to another illicit action occurring during the same day or outing. A greater gap in time is allowed when the location of the crimes is the same. There will typically be more than one felony conviction, and there may be more than one docket number.

Individuals discharged prior to July 1, 2023, and who meet the qualifications shall submit the Request for Restoration of Rights Certificate with a copy of a government issued driver's license or identification card. Individuals who have had their voting rights previously restored by the WDOC but wish to have a certificate which includes a date for their applicable remaining rights restored must request in accordance with this policy. Requests may be submitted in writing, in person, or by email. A review of the application will take place within ninety (90) days of receipt. Approval or denial will be provided, in writing, to the applicant via mail.

Automatic Restoration of Rights for Inmates and Probationers/Parolees 

Eligible inmates and offenders who discharge from WDOC’s custody (to include Wyoming inmates housed out-of-state, probationers, parolees and supervised interstate compact offenders, etc.) on or after July 1, 2023 and were convicted in a state court of Wyoming are not required to request rights restoration.

Individuals, regardless of the discharge time period, who were placed on unsupervised probation must apply for the restoration of rights.

Email: 

doc-restorationofrights@wyo.gov

Address:

Wyoming Department of Corrections

Attn: Restoration of Rights Coordinator 

1750 Sunset Drive, Suite L

Rock Springs, WY 82901

If the applicant or discharging offender believes the denial of their rights restoration is an error, they may appeal the decision by submitting the Appeal of Denial of Request for Restoration of Rights Certificate. The appeal must be submitted to the WDOC Director or designee who has thirty (30) days from receipt of the appeal to make a determination. The WDOC Director may either affirm the denial of the restoration of rights certificate or determine that restoration of rights certificate should be issued.

The WDOC's determination that a person is ineligible for a Restoration of Rights certificate is a final action, subject to judicial review.

The WDOC will replace a Restoration of Rights Certificate only for the individual who needs a replacement of their own certificate within thirty (30) days of receipt of request. This request must be made as a public records request pursuant to WDOC Policy #1.009, Release of Information.

Public Records Portal