Bill > HB52

This bill, titled the "Voting Rights for All Act," aims to expand voting access for incarcerated individuals in Maryland by establishing a toll-free voter hotline managed by the State Board, which will provide information, assist with obtaining voting materials, and allow individuals to report voting rights violations, with the State Board collaborating with correctional facilities on its administration. Crucially, the bill removes the disqualification for registered voters who have been convicted of a felony and are currently serving a court-ordered sentence of imprisonment, thereby restoring voting rights to this group. It also removes the requirement for clerks of court to report felony convictions and imprisonment to the State Administrator for voter registration purposes, and eliminates a section of law that made it a felony for individuals serving felony sentences to vote. The bill also clarifies that individuals under guardianship for mental disability are only disqualified if a court finds they cannot express a desire to vote, even with accommodations, and allows individuals as young as 16 to register to vote, though they can only vote in primary elections where candidates are nominated for elections they will be eligible to vote in once they turn 18. This legislation is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.