The Sentencing Project: Disenfranchisement News 2/5/09

Virginia: Disenfranchisement Bill Condensed, Compromised The House Privileges and Elections Committee has reviewed at least six bills that would streamline restoring voting rights to individuals with felony offenses, according to the Progress-Index. Currently, individuals are permanently banned from voting unless their rights are restored by the governor. One proposal, submitted by Del. Rosalyn R. Dance, would amend Virginia's constitution by adding, "In addition, the General Assembly may provide by law for the restoration of civil rights to persons who have been convicted of felonies and who have completed service of their sentences, subject to the conditions, requirements, and classifications set forth in that law." A second proposal, by Del. Onzlee Ware, which the committee has recommended for approval, mimics Dance's bill, but restricts the restoration of rights to nonviolent offenders. The main committee now must consider whether to forward that bill for debate by the full House. "Half a loaf is better than none," said Dance who is now backing Ware's bill. "The fact that we've got colleagues on both sides of the aisle to look at this is a big step forward." Arizona: Amicus Brief Questions 'Poll Tax' The Brennan Center for Justice submitted an amicus brief in support of appellants in Coronado v. Napolitano, a case that challenges Arizona's statutory requirement that everyone with a felony conviction must pay all court-imposed fines and restitution before being eligible to vote. The brief questions whether Arizona's law violates the Twenty-Fourth Amendment. Visit the Brennan Center's web site to view the amicus brief. Washington: Lawmaker Takes a Stand for Reenfranchisement State Rep. Jeannie Darneille is pushing a bill that would change the state's law that currently bans individuals with felony offenses from voting if they have outstanding court ordered fines and fees, according to a Spokesman-Review blog. "It's not real freedom if you're excluded from any say in decisions that govern your life," Darneille said. "Basing anyone's voting right on how quickly they can pay a financial debt is unfair and un-American." In July 2007, the state's high court upheld the law banning voting until individuals have completed all the terms of their sentence, including payments. International: Journalist Votes in Iraqi Prison Iraqi television journalist, Muntazer al-Zaidi, who threw his shoes at President George W. Bush in Baghdad in December, cast his vote in his country's provincial election, the Herald Sun reported. Unlike the varied disenfranchisement laws in the United States, all individuals incarcerated in Iraq are eligible to vote - even if charged with high-profile crimes. - - - - - - Help The Sentencing Project continue to bring you news and updates on disenfranchisement! Make a contribution today. Contact Information: e-mail -- [email protected], web: http://www.sentencingproject.org.