July 21st, 2014 by WCBC Radio
U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.) will host a discussion on solutions to end the disenfranchisement of individuals with past criminal convictions. Senator Cardin has introduced S. 2235, the Democracy Restoration Act, which would restore Federal voting rights to all individuals when released from incarceration. Senator Paul has introduced S. 2550, the Civil Rights Voting Restoration Act, which would restore Federal voting rights of non-violent persons under certain conditions.
The right to vote is the most basic right of citizenship. Regaining the right to vote reintegrates individuals with criminal convictions into free society, helping to enhance public safety and encourage rehabilitation. The lack of a uniform standard for voting in Federal elections leads to an unfair disparity and unequal participation in Federal elections, and state disenfranchisement laws disproportionately impact racial and ethnic minorities. The United States is one of the few Western democracies that permits the permanent denial of voting rights for individuals with felony convictions.
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