Restore the Right to Vote for Those Who Have Served Their Time
There is broad agreement that after someone has completed their sentence and been released to continue their lives, they should be allowed to vote. (In Florida, for example, more people voted to restore this right than voted for any political candidate in the state in 2018). But five million Americans are denied their right to participate in the democratic process despite having served their time. The Restore the Right to Vote Act protects this basic right and creates a stronger democracy for all Americans.
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Voting rights advocates
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Community reintegration groups
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Criminal justice reform advocates
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Special interests who benefit from diminished voter participation
This act shall be known as the Restore the Right to Vote Act
To restore the right to vote upon completion of any prison time sentenced for a felony conviction.
(a) Any disqualification from voting arising from a felony conviction shall terminate and voting rights shall be restored upon completion of time sentenced in prison. No disqualification from voting shall be imposed as a condition of parole, probation, or any outstanding fines or fees.
(b) Upon his or her release from prison, a person so released must be given an official document which provides:
-(i) That the person has been released from prison;
-(ii) That the person is restored to his or her civil right to vote; and
-(iii) Description of how to register to vote.