Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that expands voting access for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals.

Highlights:

• Defines “correctional facility” as a facility for detaining or confining individuals that is operated by a correctional unit (Sec. 1-2–502.A-2).

• Requires a correctional facility provide a secure, designated drop box that incarcerated individuals may use to easily submit election-related materials to election officials (Sec. 1-2–502.A-2).

• Requires a correctional facility return a ballot to a local board if it receives a ballot addressed to an individual who has been released from incarceration (Sec. 1-2–502.A-3).

• Classifies “eligible voter” as an individual who meets the following criteria (Sec. 1-2–502.A-4):

• Is incarcerated in a correctional facility facility; and

• Has the right to vote under state law.

• Prohibits the state board or local board of elections from disclosing any identifying information concerning an incarcerated individual that the state or local board obtains from a correctional facility for the purpose of implementing the program (Sec. 1-2–502.D-2).

• Requires the state board to engage nonpartisan community organizations to facilitate voting by eligible voters (Sec. 1-2–502.D-3).

• Authorizes an individual to become registered to vote if the individual (Sec. 1-3–102.a-1):

• Is a citizen of the United States;

• Is at least 16 years old;

• Is a resident of the State as of the day the individual seeks to register; and

• Registers pursuant to this title.

• Prohibits a voter from becoming an eligible voter if the individual (Sec. 1-3–102.b):

• Has been convicted of a felony and is currently serving a court–ordered sentence of imprisonment for the conviction;

• Is under guardianship for mental disability and a court of competent jurisdiction has specifically found by clear and convincing evidence that the individual cannot communicate, with or without accommodations, a desire to participate in the voting process; or

• Has been convicted of buying or selling votes.

Full Bill Text