Frederica Wilson, D-FL24

WASHINGTON — Representative Frederica Wilson of Florida introduced H.R. 1556 to allow non-violent felons to vote.

The bill would not allow the denial or abridgement of voting rights of U.S. citizens who commit non-violent criminal offenses once released. The bill excepts those currently incarcerated. The Attorney General would establish a list of felonies considered non-violent under federal and State laws.

If the individual is released on probation, their right to vote would begin at the end of probation if the probation is less than a year. If the person is on probation for more than a year, then their voting right would be automatically restored one year from the date probation began.

The law would establish notification requirements for prisons and jails. A State, local government or other person would not be allowed to receive federal funds to construct or improve, “…a place of incarceration unless that person has in effect a program under which each incarcerated individual is notified, upon release, of his or her rights under this Act.”

The bill only allows for voting in federal elections and does not affect State laws. Arizona Revised Statute 13-905 outlines the procedure for restoration of civil rights which begins at the end of any probation period after incarceration.

The bill, of course, does not go far enough. It does not allow the automatic restoration of Second Amendment rights for the same non-violent offenses.