Approves initiative proposed in Governor’s State of the State Address

Dover, DE — The General Assembly approved legislation today that removes the financial bar to restoration of voting rights for people convicted of felonies who have completed their sentence. Delaware had been one of only three states that required payment of financial obligations before restoration of voting rights, and the only state with a statutory bar to restoration of voting rights until full payment was made.

In 2013, with House Bill 10, the Delaware General Assembly amended the Delaware constitution to remove a five year waiting period for restoration of voting rights, but Delaware code still required all financial obligations be met before voting rights were restored. Voting promotes participation in our society and enhances social ties and Senate Bill 242 ensures individuals aren’t prevented from exercising that fundamental right.

“Once an individual has paid their debt to society, it is important that we allow them to contribute to their communities,” said Governor Markell. “Voting is one of their most fundamental rights as Americans and I congratulate the members of the General Assembly for increasing access to the ballot box and promoting a more inclusive society.”

As the Governor mentioned in his State of the State Address, this legislation will make Delaware one of 40 states that have in recent years increased access to voting for people who have served their sentences. An individual’s ability to participate in our democracy should never depend on their ability to pay.

This legislation would build on substantial progress the state has made on creating a more equal criminal justice system that ends discriminatory practices of the past, and empowers and educates those reentering society. More information on these efforts can be found here.

“We’ve come a long way since the early days of our nation, when voting rights were explicitly tied to property ownership,” said Sen. Margaret Rose Henry, the lead Senate sponsor of SB 242. “Still, the fact remains that requiring a person who has done their time to pay full restitution unduly disqualifies many voters who would otherwise be eligible to participate in our Democracy.”

“Delaware took an important step forward a few years ago in abolishing an arbitrary waiting period for regaining voting rights. That bill was the result of years of dedication and unwavering support from former Reps. Al and Hazel Plant,” said Rep. Helene Keeley, the lead House sponsor of SB 242. “This legislation fulfills our goal of restoring voting rights to those who have completed their period of incarceration and should by any other means have the right to vote. Regaining the right to vote is a critical component of reintegrating into society. I’m grateful to my colleagues for their support in helping Delawareans.”

“When we empower people who have paid their debts to society, we are increasing the odds that they will stay out of prison and remain productive, law-abiding citizens,” said Sen. Bryan Townsend. “Unnecessarily disenfranchising people is a sure-fire way to stigmatize past discretions while being punitive beyond the length of an offender’s adjudicated sentence.”

“Voting for who represents you in government is one of the most liberating, important things you can do as a member of society,” said Rep. Stephanie T. Bolden. “We removed one big hurdle a few years ago, but the current system continues to hamper people’s ability to cast their votes, even as they rejoin society and get their lives back on track. By removing this hurdle, we’ve invited more Delawareans to be part of the process and participate.”

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