Democracy Restoration Act of 2021
- Last Action
- 2/25/2021
Actions
- 2021-02-25Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 2021-02-25Introduced in Senate
CRS Summary
As of 2021-02-25 (00)
Democracy Restoration Act of 2021
This bill addresses the voting rights of individuals convicted of a criminal offense and the restoration of their voting rights.
First, the bill declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence. Further, the bill provides for enforcement of, and remedies for violations of, the bill.
In addition, it sets forth requirements for state and federal notification of individuals of the restoration of their voting rights.
Finally, the bill prohibits federal funding of construction or improvement of a place of incarceration unless U.S. citizens incarcerated in that jurisdiction are notified, upon release, of their voting rights.
Cosponsors (20)
- Timothy Kaine (D-VA)
- Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)
- Mark Warner (D-VA)
- Cory Booker (D-NJ)
- Patrick Leahy (D-VT)
- Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)
- Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
- Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)
- Bernard Sanders (I-VT)
- Tina Smith (D-MN)
- Mazie Hirono (D-HI)
- Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
- Richard Durbin (D-IL)
- Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)
- Edward Markey (D-MA)
- Christopher Coons (D-DE)
- Bob Casey (D-PA)
- Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
- Ron Wyden (D-OR)
- Robert Menendez (D-NJ)
Subjects
- Civil actions and liability
- Correctional facilities and imprisonment
- Criminal procedure and sentencing
- Law enforcement administration and funding
- Voting rights
Sourced from Congress.gov (public domain).
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.