Former US President Donald Trump was recently found guilty of 34 charges of falsifying business records, making him a convicted felon.
This historic conviction has led many to question whether a felon can run for president in the United States.
According to the US Constitution, the requirements for running for president are clear. A candidate must be at least 35 years old, a natural-born citizen of the United States, and have resided in the country for at least 14 years.
Despite being incarcerated at the time of the election, a convicted felon is still eligible to run for office.
Regarding voting rights for felons, the rules vary by state. In 48 states, felons are prohibited from voting in some capacity, while in Maine and Vermont, felons can retain their right to vote.
In 13 states and Washington DC, voting rights are automatically restored upon release from prison. Additionally, in several states, voting rights are reinstated once the felon has completed their sentence, including prison, parole, and probation.
As of now, no United States president has ever been jailed or convicted of a felony. Trump’s sentencing is scheduled for July 11, 2024, with potential options ranging from a fine to a prison term of one to four years.
