Restoring right to vote eases for felons
Published 10:34 pm Monday, May 4, 2009
OLYMPIA — Starting this summer, convicted felons will be able to reregister to vote once they’re no longer on parole or probation.
Gov. Chris Gregoire signed a bill Monday that eases the restoration of voting rights for felons who are no longer in Washington state custody but owe court-ordered fines and restitution. It takes effect July 26.
Under current law, felons can’t vote until they have completed their entire sentence, including paying all restitution and other court fees.
The new law removes the requirement that felons must pay off all those debts before their rights are restored. However, under the new law, voting rights could be revoked if a felon willingly fails to make regular payments on those financial obligations.
Oregon automatically restores voting rights to felons once they’re released from prison. Nearly 40 other states and the District of Columbia also have less onerous restrictions on restoring voting rights to felons.
