California Votes To Return Voting Rights To Former Felons
Proposition 17 has been passed in the state of California. Former felons who are on parole will have the right to vote in the state during election times.
The Constitution originally disqualified people with felony convictions from voting until their incarceration and parole are completed.
Proposition 17 was supported by 59% of voters, according to the unofficial tally.
The measure was placed on the ballot by the California Legislature at a time when the Black Lives Matter movement was sparking new discussion of the impact of the criminal justice system on people of color.
California Senator and vice president hopeful Kamala Harris (Democrat), along with Assemblyman Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) authored the measure.
Under Proposition 17, people convicted of felonies who are still in prison will continue to be disqualified from voting. The state Constitution allows people on probation to vote.
A total of 19 states allow former felons to vote while on parole. Maine, Vermont and the District of Columbia allow those convicted of felonies to vote while incarcerated.
