HB 5117
Remove felonies from reason to disqualify from voting
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- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill would allow individuals convicted of certain felonies to re-register to vote in West Virginia. Currently, those convicted of felonies are automatically disqualified from voting. This bill removes this disqualification and allows individuals to regain their voting rights upon completion of their sentence, pardon, or discharge from probation or parole. The Division of Corrections and Probation would be required to notify individuals of their restored voting eligibility.
Key provisions
- Removes the disqualification for voting based on felony convictions.
- Allows individuals to re-register to vote upon completion of incarceration.
- Allows individuals to re-register upon a court order vacating or overturning convictions.
- Allows individuals to re-register upon receiving a pardon from the Governor.
- Requires the Division of Corrections to notify individuals of their restored eligibility.
- Requires the Division of Probation to notify individuals of their restored eligibility.
- Addresses notification requirements for restored eligibility.
- Clarifies that registration cannot occur after the voter registration deadline.
Who is affected
- Individuals with felony convictions
- Former prisoners
- Individuals on probation or parole
- West Virginia voters
- The West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Notable changes
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