Arizona courts have been granting a rising number of requests to restore civil rights needed to vote, own a gun and serve on a jury.
Maricopa County’s criminal presiding commissioner says those with old felony cases wanting to take part in the 2026 election should apply now.
Arizona courts approved more than 4,000 civil rights restoration requests in the last fiscal year to post a more than 200% increase over five years. Applications with instructions are available in the law library of Maricopa County Superior Court.
Commissioner Nick Saccone said make sure to fill out all of the paperwork.
“There is a whole packet that has not just the actual application itself. But it also has what are serious offenses. What do you have to wait 10 years for. And it talks about what is a dangerous offense. So everything you need to know is in that packet,” Saccone said.
Felonies labeled serious and dangerous can affect restoration of gun rights. But people can generally have civil rights restored after most offenses.
A 2022 law made it so Arizonans completing a sentence for a first-time felony conviction automatically get their civil rights back.
Those with two or more felonies wanting to vote or serve on jury still have to apply for restoration at the Clerk of Court.
Saccone said there is no harm in applying for those unsure of their status.
“It's not just for convictions here in Arizona. If you have convictions from out of state and you are living here now, you can apply to have those rights restored as well,” Saccone said.
