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Every state except two bars prisoners convicted of felonies (and some other crimes) from voting. Prisoners in Maine and Vermont are allowed to vote by absentee ballot. The U.S. Department of Justice lists details for each state and notes that the right to vote is controlled by states for both federal and state elections. Article 1, Section 4 of the U.S. Constitution gives states this power over congressional elections, and the Constitution further allows
states to run presidential elections. Of course, states govern their own internal elections, as well. In most states, a convicted felon's right to vote is automatically restored after the completion of prison time and/or parole. Some states require ex-cons to request pardons from the governor in order to vote. A couple of states don't restore the right to vote for five years after the prison sentence. Those convicted of voter fraud in Maryland and Missouri are banned from the voting booth forever.
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