Should Nonviolent Offenders be Able to Vote in Federal Elections? (S. 2550)

What is S. 2550?

(Updated April 23, 2018)

S.2550 would extend voting rights to nonviolent offenders following their release from jail or prison. This bill would allow any nonviolent offender who has been on probation for less than a year to vote the day after their probation is over. 

If passed, S. 2550 would also force all federal prisons and jails to notify inmates when they are allowed to vote in federal elections upon being released. If the prisons do not comply with the notification rule they can’t use federal prison funds, period.

Anyone who feels their voter restoration rights have been violated can file a civil action or register a complaint with a local chief election official by citing S.2550.

Argument in favor

Voting is a civil right that should not be withheld from people who’ve committed nonviolent crimes. Strict voter restoration laws in states unfairly keep minorities from voting and must be changed to preserve the people's voice in federal elections.

Argument opposed

People convicted of misdemeanors or felonies should suffer the consequences of their actions. They have forfeited the right to vote in federal elections. Allowing former felons to vote condones criminal behavior.

Impact

Incarcerated nonviolent offenders, those released from prison or jail who have been on probation less than a year, nonviolent offenders convicted of misdemeanors or felonies, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, polling place and election officials, and people running for federal office.

Cost of S. 2550

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

Of Note:

Laws for voter restoration (i.e. giving ex-inmates their voting rights back) varies state by state. For instance, Arizona has some of the strictest voter restoration laws. There, people convicted of multiple felonies can permanently lose their right to vote for nonviolent offenses. If they want to retain that right, they must wait two years after their release to apply for voter restoration. Ten other states also have restrictive voter restoration laws which can greatly affect voter demographics in federal elections.

S. 2550, sponsored by Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) is an anomaly compared to the recent trend of proposed GOP legislation that tightens-up voter laws. Some even suspect the bill is a marketing ploy to win support from minorities and young voters before the 2016 presidential election.

Media:

Sponsoring Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) Press Release

Opensecrets.org

Politico

WCPO-Cincinnati