Restoring Voting Rights for All Citizens Act

[jakeakins]

 

IN THE SENATE

Mr. Michaels (for himself; with thanks to Ms. Gabbard) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary

Purpose:

To amend the existing federal and state laws to restore the voting rights of individuals convicted of felonies upon completion of their prison sentences, recognizing their reintegration into society and alignment with their eligibility to run for public office, including the presidency.

Section 1: Short Title

This Act may be cited as the "Restoring Voting Rights for All Citizens Act."

Section 2: Findings

Congress finds that:

1. The right to vote is a fundamental right of citizenship in a democratic society.
2. Current laws in many states disenfranchise individuals convicted of felonies, which is inconsistent with the eligibility criteria for running for public office, including the presidency, as outlined in the U.S. Constitution.
3. Denying voting rights to individuals who have served their sentences undermines their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
4. Restoring voting rights is essential for the promotion of civic engagement and democracy.

Section 3: Restoration of Voting Rights

(a) In General: Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the right of an individual to vote in any Federal, State, or local election shall not be denied or abridged on account of a felony conviction if the individual has completed the term of incarceration for such offense.

(b) Notification: Upon release from incarceration, the relevant federal and state authorities shall notify the individual in writing of their restored right to vote and provide information on how to register to vote.

(c) Federal Elections: For the purposes of federal elections, the right to vote shall be restored upon completion of the term of incarceration, regardless of any additional parole, probation, or supervised release requirements.

Section 4: State Compliance and Incentives

(a) Compliance Requirement: States shall be required to amend their laws to comply with the provisions of this Act.

(b) Grants for Implementation: The Federal Government shall establish a grant program to assist states in implementing this Act, including updating voter registration systems, conducting public education campaigns, and training election officials.

Section 5: Presidential Eligibility Consistency

(a) Findings: Congress reaffirms that under Article II, Section 1 of the U.S. Constitution, individuals who have been convicted of a felony are not prohibited from running for the office of the President of the United States, provided they meet all other constitutional requirements.

(b) Consistency in Rights: This Act ensures consistency between the eligibility to run for public office, including the presidency, and the fundamental right to vote, thus strengthening the principles of democracy and equality under the law.

Section 6: Reporting and Accountability

(a) Annual Report: The Attorney General shall submit an annual report to Congress detailing the implementation of this Act, including the number of individuals whose voting rights have been restored, the compliance status of each state, and any barriers to implementation.

(b) Audits: The Government Accountability Office (GAO) shall conduct periodic audits to ensure compliance with the provisions of this Act and to assess the effectiveness of the grant program established under Section 4(b).

Section 7: Severability

If any provision of this Act, or the application thereof to any person or circumstance, is held invalid, the remainder of this Act, and the application of such provision to other persons not similarly situated or to other circumstances, shall not be affected by such invalidation.

Section 8: Effective Date

This Act shall take effect on the date of its enactment.