How can I restore my voting and firearm rights after a felony?

Full question:

I need to know how to go about how and whom I submitt to get back my voting and right to have firearms. In 1997 I had an altercation that gave me a class c felony (not with a gun) my probation was one year no firearms or contact with individual the altercation happened. The permission to have a firearm or voting has never been lifted. how do I go about this process.

• Category: Civil Rights
• Date: 04/07/2025
• State: Washington

Answer:

The Governor of Washington can restore civil rights lost due to felony convictions. To apply for restoration after completing probation or parole, write to:

Chair, Clemency and Pardons Board
c/o Office of the Governor
PO Box 40002
Legislative Bldg.
Olympia, WA 98

Your letter should include:

1. Confirmation that you are a convicted felon and have completed your probation or parole.
2. Your request for restoration of rights.
3. Details of the offense, court of conviction, and disposition, along with a copy of the discharge order.
4. Your current address, phone number, and employer.
5. The contact information for your probation or parole officer.
6. Letters of recommendation may also help your case.

Note that the Clemency and Pardons Board requires one year to pass after your supervision ends before reviewing restoration petitions.

For federal firearm privileges, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives can restore rights under 18 U.S.C. § 925(c), but this has not been funded since fiscal year 1992. A Presidential Pardon can also restore firearm rights, as provided by the Constitution and federal regulations.

Under Washington law, individuals convicted of violent crimes or serious drug offenses cannot possess firearms (RCW 9.41.040). For voting rights, they can be restored through various means, including a court order or a certificate from the Governor (RCW 29A.08.520).

For further information on the restoration process, you can refer to the relevant Washington statutes.