*Democrat Rep. Ayanna Pressley and Republican Sen. Peter Welch have introduced a bill to allow convicted felons to vote in federal elections.
According to the Associated Press, the Inclusive Democracy Act would guarantee “the right to vote in federal elections for all citizens regardless of their criminal record.”
“With Republicans and the Supreme Court stopping at nothing to undermine voting rights and exclude Black and brown folks from participating in our democracy, we must protect and expand access to the ballot box — including for incarcerated citizens,” Pressley said in a statement, BET.com reports.
“As someone whose family has been personally impacted by mass incarceration, I know how important it is for people to maintain ties to their community, including by voting,” Pressley continued.
The lawmaker noted that current policies and court rulings “continue to disenfranchise voters from all walks of life — including by gutting the Voting Rights Act, gerrymandering, cuts to early voting, and more.”
Through harmful book bans, Republicans want to further marginalize folks who already face systemic discrimination – including people of color & our LGBTQ siblings.
Our bill would fight back, promote inclusive learning environments, and save lives. #BooksSaveLives https://t.co/gFXePaf9ta
— Ayanna Pressley (@AyannaPressley) December 14, 2023
Welch said the bill was the necessary response to the “antiquated state felony disenfranchisement laws.”
Those incarcerated in federal prisons would be informed that they can vote in federal elections under the legislation.
It is currently illegal for people who have previously been incarcerated to vote in 11 states.
“We are still in the Civil Rights movement and Jim Crow is not behind us when laws and courts continue to disenfranchise voters from all walks of life — including by gutting the Voting Rights Act, gerrymandering, cuts to early voting, and more,” Pressley said
“We must reject this unjust status quo and advance bold policies to strengthen our democracy and make it more inclusive,” she added.
READ MORE: Rep. Ayanna Pressley Wants Medicare to Cover Wig Costs For Medical Hair Loss
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