Justice.

Texas Justice-Involved Voter Guide

  • Know Your Rights.

    Understand the voting laws and your eligibility as a justice-involved individual in Texas. Many people with criminal records don't realize they can vote, but in Texas, your right to vote is restored once you've completed your sentence, including any terms of probation or parole.

  • Get Inspired.

    Hear powerful stories from formerly incarcerated individuals who have reclaimed their right to vote. These personal accounts highlight the transformative impact of civic engagement. Then, learn about the voting process, from registration to casting your ballot, and understand your options for voting by mail, early voting, or on Election Day.

  • Create Change.

    Discover how your vote can impact policies and reform efforts in your community. Your unique perspective as a justice-involved individual can influence decisions on criminal justice reform, reentry programs, and other issues that directly affect you and others with similar experiences.

Can I Vote From Jail In Texas?

How Elected Officials Impact the Justice System

Elected officials play a crucial role in shaping the justice system through their legislative and policy-making powers. From district attorneys who decide which cases to prosecute, to judges who determine sentences, to legislators who craft criminal justice laws, elected representatives have a direct impact on how justice is administered and experienced by individuals and communities.

Get Inspired.

Meet Durrel, the Founder.

Durrel is Founder + Executive Director of Houston Justice and Project Orange US.

Learn more about Durrel Douglas, the Founder of Houston Justice and Project Orange. His movement from corrections to criminal justice reform advocacy. 

ddouglas@houjustice.org

Twitter: @durrel

IG: @durrelkdouglas

Durrel’s Bio

Tangi’s Story

Tangi is Founder + Executive Director of the Texas Federation of the People.
Learn more about Tangi's story of triumph and using her voice to amplify the importance of voting and working to change the system and the political halls of power. 

Tangi's Bio

Ben Mack

Ben is Founder + Executive Director of 50 Fathers Movement.

Check out Ben's story and learn about his story being trapped" in the criminal justice system and how he's determined to change the system and help others by being a mentor and his prison ministry.

Ben's Bio

Koretta’s Story

Koretta is Founder + Executive Director of Bridges to Empowerment

Check Out Korretta's Story from former felon to advocating for criminal justice reform and providing resources and support for convicted and former felons .

Koretta's Bio

Ren's Story "Unlocking Second Chances"

Listen to Ren's Story on finding a second chance and changing the dynamics of what it means to be formerly incarcerated and becoming civilly engaged.

Meet Reggie Smith

Reggie' Story " Saving Our Youth

Listen to Reggie's story of giving back to the juvenile justice system and working to change the criminal justice system including mentoring youth.

Meet Jonathan

Johnthan " Fighting Against Political Structures"

Listen to Johnthan's story on resilience and advocating for political change, criminal justice reform including living conditions in correctional facilities. 

Ben's Bio

Meet Lance Watkins

Detective Lance Watkins works with Built 4 Agility. His tireless commitment is not just inspiring but integral to the very fabric of our organization's success.

Visit Built 4 Agility

What’s on the Ballot?

*

What’s on the Ballot? *

Harris County Ballot - November 5, 2024

This election will feature several important races at the federal, state, and local levels. Here's an overview of the key contests Harris County voters can expect to see on their ballots:

Federal Races:

  1. President of the United States

  2. U.S. Senator (one of Texas' two seats)

  3. U.S. Representative (depending on your district)

State Races:

  1. Railroad Commissioner

  2. State Supreme Court Justices (for any open seats)

  3. Court of Criminal Appeals Judges (for any open seats)

  4. State Senator (depending on your district)

  5. State Representative (depending on your district)

Harris County Races:

  1. County Sheriff

  2. County Tax Assessor-Collector

  3. County District Attorney

  4. County Commissioners (for Precincts 1 and 3)

  5. Justices of the Peace (for some precincts)

  6. Constables (for some precincts)

Your vote in these races can significantly impact policies and leadership at all levels of government, from your local community to the nation as a whole.

Harris County Jail

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Yes, you can vote in Texas if you have fully completed your sentence, including any term of incarceration, parole, supervision, or period of probation.

  • Yes, you should re-register to vote after completing your sentence, as your registration may have been canceled.

  • No, you cannot vote while on probation or parole in Texas. You must complete all terms of your sentence before regaining your right to vote.

  • Yes, if you're in jail awaiting trial or serving time for a misdemeanor, you retain your right to vote. You can request a mail-in ballot.

  • You'll need a Texas driver's license number, Texas personal ID number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number.

  • You can check your voter registration status on the Texas Secretary of State's website.

    In Harris County, you can search:

    https://www.hctax.net/Voter/Search.cshtml

  • No, once your voting rights are restored, you can vote in all elections - local, state, and federal.

  • No, the voter registration application does not ask about criminal history.

  • No, in Texas, voting rights are automatically restored upon completion of your sentence, including probation and parole.

  • You can contact the Texas Secretary of State's office, your local county elections office, or organizations specializing in voting rights for more information.

  • Yes, as long as you've completed all sentences for all convictions, including any probation or parole.

  • Yes, if you've completed your sentence and are now a Texas resident, you can register to vote in Texas.

  • No, misdemeanor convictions do not affect your voting rights in Texas.

  • Yes, once you've completed your sentence and are eligible to vote, you can serve as an election worker.

  • Yes, you can register using a shelter address or describe the general location of where you usually stay.

  • Contact your parole officer, the court where you were convicted, or the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for clarification.

  • Yes, individuals on deferred adjudication can vote as it's not considered a final conviction in Texas.

  • Contact your county voter registrar immediately to cancel your registration to avoid potential legal issues.

  • In Texas, you must wait until you've completed your sentence plus an additional amount of time (varies by office) before running for public office.

Justice for all.