The Sentencing Project: Disenfranchisement News & Updates - 1/3/08
Virginia: If at First Legislation Doesn't Succeed, Try, Try, Try, Try Again
Sen. Yvonne Miller (D-Norfolk) introduced a constitutional amendment last month aimed at restoring voting rights to those convicted of nonviolent offenses, the Virginian-Pilot reported. "I introduce this every year because at some point somebody, it may not be me, will get it through," she said. "It's an issue of fairness because there are large numbers of people who have paid their debt to society and should be able to get their rights back." Since 2000, legislation has been introduced yet failed to pass.
According to Virginia law, people with felony convictions are permanently barred from voting, but can apply for restoration after completing a sentence. Restoration applications can be made through a local Circuit Court or the Secretary of the Commonwealth - both of which ultimately lead to the governor's final decision. The Pilot featured a breakdown of the number of citizens whose rights were restored by Virginia governors. As of December 28, 2007, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine had restored 1,144 citizens' right to vote.
Kentucky: Recurring Resistance to Re-enfranchising
A Courier-Journal editorial states that disenfranchising citizens with criminal records "mocks the word 'justice.'" Nonetheless, proposals for reform are likely to encounter resistance from certain lawmakers and the Senate Judiciary Committee. "Some harbor racial motives for not wanting ex-felons to vote, but they don't have to admit that," the editorial states. "They can just talk about how undeserving criminals are. Others oppose restoration of voting rights on the assumption that, just because so many criminals come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, they likely will vote Democratic, but, publicly, they can posture against giving criminals this kind of 'break.'"
Despite last year's failed attempt at restoration, legislators and others continue to push the constitutional amendment sponsored by Democratic Reps. Darryl Owens of Louisville and Jesse Crenshaw of Lexington that would restore voting rights to those convicted of many felonies upon completing their sentence, another Courier- Journal article stated. "When you finish your sentence, you should be free to re-enter society," Marc Mauer, Executive Director of The Sentencing Project was quoted as saying. "But with laws like these, we still treat people as second-class citizens. If we want people to become law-abiding citizens, we need to get them engaged in constructive institutions in their community." For more coverage, see the Lexington Herald-Leader.
Florida: State Needs Updated Database of Eligible Voters
The third time was a charm for Michael Hargrett, 51, when it came to successfully registering to vote in Florida. Twice, he attempted to register to vote and was turned away; he was told his name remained on the state's felon list despite the fact that on one occasion he displayed a certificate of rights restoration. Only when he contacted the ACLU was he able to successfully register, the News- Press reported.
"If I hadn't been involved and knew I had this right ... I would have just walked away thinking I can't vote," Hargrett said. As a result, civil rights activists last month sent letters to the state demanding it share its civil rights restoration database with counties, which currently do not have access to that information. They are also requesting that Florida's county election supervisors become proactive in helping qualified felons to register to vote.
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