Gov. Chris Gregoire is scheduled to sign legislation today restoring voting rights to thousands of convicted felons this summer.
By law, persons convicted of felonies lose their right to vote until they’ve done their time behind bars, completed their probation and paid off fines and restitution.
Under the legislation, convicted criminals will now be able to legally register to vote while still paying off their debts.
The ACLU worked hard to get this bill passed. Here’s an excerpt from the statement the organization issued today:
“This is a much-needed reform of an unfair and unworkable system for restoring voting rights,” said ACLU of Washington Legislative Director Shankar Narayan. “Automatic restoration will help people who have served their time to reconnect with their communities. People who vote are at less risk of reoffending, and that leads to safer communities for us all.” Under the reform measure, individuals can register to vote once they’re no longer under state-supervised parole or probation. Individuals will still have to repay their debts, but – like anyone else who owes money – they will not be denied the right and duty to vote. It will create a simpler and clearer system and provide a needed bright line to identify those who are eligible to vote.
The ACLU estimates up to 167,00 felons may be affected by the change in the law.
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