North Dakota Democracy Group Aims to Clarify Voting Rights for Felons

The League of Women Voters partners with state agencies to ensure people with criminal records know their voting eligibility.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:40pm

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A solitary ballot box on a wooden table in a dimly lit room, with warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows creating a cinematic, nostalgic mood.A ballot box sits alone in a quiet moment, symbolizing the quiet but vital work of ensuring voting rights for all.Bismarck Today

The League of Women Voters of North Dakota is working to educate the public and incarcerated individuals about voting rights for people with criminal records. Under state law, North Dakota residents cannot vote while incarcerated for a felony, but they can vote after release as long as they meet other requirements. However, many people are unaware of these nuances, leading to misconceptions that felons permanently lose their voting rights or can only vote in certain elections. The League is coordinating with state agencies and jails to provide clear information and resources to help eligible voters exercise their rights.

Why it matters

Ensuring that people with criminal records understand their voting rights is crucial for upholding democratic participation and supporting successful reintegration into the community. Misconceptions about voting eligibility can disenfranchise eligible voters and undermine faith in the electoral process.

The details

The League of Women Voters of North Dakota is working with the state's Secretary of State's Office, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and local jails to distribute information about voting rights for people with criminal records. They have created a voter guide specifically for this population and made it available on inmates' personal tablets and through outreach to jails. The League has also participated in resource fairs at the state penitentiary to share voting information with soon-to-be-released inmates.

  • The League of Women Voters of North Dakota began their outreach efforts in January 2026.
  • The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation added the voting rights information to inmates' personal tablets.

The players

League of Women Voters of North Dakota

A nonpartisan organization that works to educate the public and encourage civic engagement.

North Dakota Secretary of State's Office

The state agency responsible for overseeing elections and voter registration.

North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

The state agency that manages the prison system and supports the reentry of incarcerated individuals.

F5 Project

A nonprofit organization that provides support to people leaving incarceration.

Burleigh/Morton Detention Center

A county jail that has agreed to accommodate requests for absentee ballots from eligible voters.

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What they’re saying

“Even when I've spoken to community members — even some really involved community members who haven't been through the justice system — many of them don't know because there wasn't a lot of information on it before we started.”

— Whitney Oxendahl, Volunteer, League of Women Voters of North Dakota

“I really appreciate how easy it is to vote in North Dakota, and who can vote in North Dakota. I think that shows North Dakota really cares about its people.”

— Adam Martin, CEO, F5 Project

“That helps support the positive change they're making.”

— Robyn Schmalenberger, Reentry Program Manager, North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

What’s next

The League of Women Voters of North Dakota plans to send their own detailed voter guides to all jails and prisons in the state to further assist incarcerated individuals in making informed choices.

The takeaway

This initiative by the League of Women Voters of North Dakota demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that all eligible voters, including those with criminal records, are able to participate in the democratic process. By partnering with state agencies and providing clear, accessible information, the League is helping to dispel misconceptions and empower people to exercise their fundamental right to vote.