H.R. 6778 would secure the Federal voting rights of certain qualified ex-offenders who have served their sentences.
Detailed Summary
Ex-Offenders Voting Rights Act of 2008 - Declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence in a correctional institution or facility.
Requires the chief correctional officer of each state to inform convicted felons within 30 days after their release of their right to vote in elections for federal office and the date of the next election in which they are eligible to vote.
Provides for enforcement and remedies for violations of this Act.
Specifies that: (1) nothing in this Act shall be construed to prohibit a state from enacting any state law that affords the right to vote in any election for federal office on terms less restrictive than those terms established by this Act; and (2) the rights and remedies established by this Act shall be in addition to all other rights and remedies provided by law, and shall not supersede, restrict, or limit the application of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 or the National Voter Registration Act of 1993.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 8/1/2008: Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Points in Favor
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Points Against
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Visitor Comments
Martin
August 10, 2008, 7:33pm (report abuse)I don't see why ex-offenders should be denied their right to vote. It's bad enough they're treated as 2nd class citizens just for being incarcerated. If they're working and paying taxes they should have a say in what happens to those tax dollars.
MaximT
August 12, 2008, 5:47pm (report abuse)Following what the law prescribes as punishment it seems counterproductive to society to deny them the right to vote, if it is their choice to now particpate in the process. People that vote are doing what our society expects of them, so why deny them after their sentence.