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Democracy Restoration Act of 2023
3/6/2024, 4:36 PM
Summary of Bill S 1677
Under current laws, many states have restrictions in place that prevent individuals with felony convictions from voting, even after they have completed their sentences. The Democracy Restoration Act seeks to change this by allowing these individuals to have their voting rights restored once they have been released from prison.
The bill also aims to make the voting process more accessible by requiring states to provide voter registration forms to individuals upon their release from prison. This would help ensure that those who have served their time are able to participate in the democratic process and have their voices heard. Overall, the Democracy Restoration Act of 2023 is a bipartisan effort to promote fairness and equality in the voting process by allowing individuals with felony convictions to have their voting rights restored. It is currently being debated in Congress and has the potential to have a significant impact on voting rights in the United States.
Congressional Summary of S 1677
Democracy Restoration Act of 2023
This bill addresses the voting rights of individuals convicted of a criminal offense and the restoration of their voting rights.
First, the bill 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. Further, the bill provides for enforcement of, and remedies for violations of, the bill.
In addition, it sets forth requirements for state and federal notification of individuals of the restoration of their voting rights.
Finally, the bill prohibits federal funding of construction or improvement of a place of incarceration unless U.S. citizens incarcerated in that jurisdiction are notified, upon release, of their voting rights.
