Bill > HR2212

This bill, the Democracy Restoration Act of 2011, aims to restore voting rights for U.S. citizens convicted of a criminal offense, ensuring that the right to vote in federal elections is not denied or abridged unless an individual is currently serving a felony sentence in a correctional institution or facility at the time of the election. The bill defines "election" broadly to include general, special, primary, and runoff elections, as well as party conventions and caucuses for nominating candidates, and "federal office" to encompass President, Vice President, Senators, Representatives, Delegates, and Resident Commissioners. It also clarifies that states can enact laws that are more lenient in restoring voting rights than this act requires, and that its provisions do not override existing laws like the Voting Rights Act of 1965 or the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. Furthermore, the bill prohibits states or local governments from receiving federal funds for constructing or improving correctional facilities unless they have a program to inform incarcerated citizens of their voting rights upon release. Enforcement mechanisms are established, allowing the Attorney General to seek legal remedies and individuals to bring civil actions if their rights are violated.