Delaware lawmakers took another step forward in helping resolve the “glaring contradiction” that keeps Americans who have already served their time from participating in the democratic process. Today, the legislature approved a bill to restore voting rights of nonviolent offenders who have completed their sentences.
The Hazel D. Plant Voter Registration Act would remove the five-year waiting period that people with a criminal history are forced to wait before having their voting rights restored. Governor Jack Markell is expected to sign the bill, according to Shirley Min at NewsWorks.
“As Americans we believe in second chances and the right to vote,” said Ben Jealous, President and CEO of the NAACP. “Today’s vote in the Delaware Senate ensures that when a fellow citizen who has made a mistake, did their time, and paid their debt to society will be able to join the rest of their fellow Americans in performing our civic duty of voting.”
“The late Hazel D. Plant relentlessly fought for the empowerment of all Delaware citizens,” said bill sponsor and state Rep. Helene Keeley. “Today’s vote honors and ends part of that fight and will empower a new group of Delaware citizens that now have a voice in what happens in their communities.”