Pubdate: Mon, 22 May 2006
Source: Tennessean, The (Nashville, TN)
Copyright: 2006 The Tennessean
Contact:  http://www.tennessean.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/447

A VOTE FOR EX-OFFENDERS

In passing legislation that eases the restoration of voting rights 
for ex-offenders, the General Assembly has endorsed fairness and 
justice.Tennessee laws governing restoration of voting rights to 
former offenders have been indefensibly complex. Those who were 
convicted of a felony after 1981 permanently lost their voting rights.

Those convicted between Jan. 15 1973 and May 17, 1981 can vote 
whether they are in prison or not. For those convicted before 1973, 
restoration of voting rights has depended on the nature of the crime.

Former offenders who have lost their voting rights could have them 
restored, but that required the time and expense of hiring a lawyer 
and petitioning Circuit Court.The bill passed by the legislature 
streamlines the process: Former offenders must complete their 
sentence and probation, and pay any related fines and court-ordered 
restitution. They can then receive a "certificate of restoration" 
from either the Correction Department or Board of Probation and 
Parole, which they take to their local election commission for 
verification and registration. The bill still excludes from the 
process those convicted of murder, aggravated rape, voter fraud, 
treason or sex offense against a minor.This is a far simpler, fairer 
process. The right to vote is fundamental to citizenship. 
Ex-offenders are expected to work, to pay their taxes, to obey the 
laws. They should expect, in return, a restoration of voting 
rights.Society wins when former criminal offenders, having served 
their time, re-enter the community as productive, responsible 
citizens.In passing this law, Tennessee legislators have encouraged 
responsible citizenship by creating one simple path to restore voting 
rights for ex-offenders.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman