Bill > S524

This bill aims to restore voting rights to incarcerated citizens in Massachusetts by removing language that currently restricts voting for individuals convicted of felonies. Specifically, the bill proposes to eliminate two phrases from existing state law: first, removing the words "except if by reason of a felony conviction" from Chapter 50, and second, removing the words "or incarcerated in a correctional facility due to a felony conviction" from Chapter 51 of the General Laws. These changes would effectively mean that individuals currently serving time in prison for felony convictions would regain their right to vote, which they are currently denied. The bill is characterized as an emergency law, with the preamble stating that its deferred operation would defeat its purpose of restoring voting rights. By removing these restrictive clauses, the legislation seeks to expand democratic participation and ensure that incarcerated individuals maintain their fundamental right to vote, regardless of their criminal conviction status.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S524