State has a procedure

Greg Gourley, director of New Americans of Washington raises concerns regarding felons permanently losing their right to vote (“Too many felons have lost right to vote,” Nov. 25.) In addressing part of his column to Gov. Gary Locke, he seems to suggest that felons in Washington state are never again allowed to vote. Mr. Gourley, then, should be pleased to hear that Washington state does provide for the discharge and restoration of the rights to vote and hold public office, provided the offender has completed all sentence requirements, including matters such as full restitution to the victim and payment for the cost of their supervision. The right to bear firearms is not restored. As a community corrections officer for the Washington state Department of Corrections, I process hundreds of such discharges every year for the many offenders who don’t make the news, because they are successful in turning their lives around.

The state Legislature and the governor, in their wisdom, have enacted just the kind of legislation that Mr. Gourley and his organization should fight for in other states. It would seem he should join with the governor and Legislature as partners in the goal of returning successful offenders to the community.

Washington state even provides for the “vacation of record,” which is our equivalent of a pardon discussed by Mr. Gourley. As the House Bill Report 1392 noted during the last session, “Vacation of record has the effect of removing all ‘penalties and disabilities’ that resulted from the offense.” Further details can be found in House Bill Report 1392 which is available through the Legislature section of the state’s Web site, www.access.wa.gov.

Citizens will be pleased to know that the “vacation of record” is severely limited, taking into consideration the nature of the original offense. Offenders requesting a vacation of record must demonstrate law abiding behavior for five to 10 years, depending on the level of their original offense. Furthermore, offenders with violent crimes against people do not qualify for vacation of record, not ever. On balance, it appears that Washington state’s approach, compared to so many other states, is quite enlightened, considering the need to reintegrate offenders into a meaningful role in society, along with recognizing those other offenders whose crime’s seriousness mitigates against a full pardon, ever.

Everett

Editor’s note: The writer is a member of The Herald’s advisory council.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Tuesday, Feb. 11

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

CNA Nina Prigodich, right, goes through restorative exercises with long term care patient Betty Long, 86, at Nightingale's View Ridge Care Center on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Editorial: Boost state Medicaid funding for long-term care

With more in need of skilled nursing and assisted-living services, funding must keep up to retain staff.

Sentencing reforms more complicated than column described

I read Todd Welch’s Jan. 29 column. He is certainly entitled to… Continue reading

President Trump running nation like his failed businesses

We’ve seen it before; President Trump will do or say anything to… Continue reading

Intent of Trump’s nominees is to subvert good government

It is clear that Donald Trump has something specific in mind with… Continue reading

Comment: Real dangers loom with Trump’s incoherent trade policy

Even if Trump could settle on a justification for his tariffs, the results could leave the country far. weaker.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Monday, Feb. 10

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

bar graph, pie chart and diagrams isolated on white, 3d illustration
Editorial: Don’t let state’s budget numbers intimidate you

With budget discussions starting soon, a new website explains the basics of state’s budget crisis.

Comment: Trump can go only as far as the courts will allow

Most of Trump’s executive orders are likely to face court challenges, setting the limits of presidential power.

Comment: Civil service needs reform; Trump means only to gut it

It’s too difficult to hire and fire federal workers. A grand bargain is possible, but that’s not what Trump seeks.

Saunders: U.S. Iron Dome isn’t feasible now, but it could be

Trump is correct to order a plan for a system that would protect the nation from missile strikes.

Harrop: Trump has no sense of damage from tariff threats

Even if ultimately averted, a trade war with Canada and Mexico could drive both from U.S. exports.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.