Policy Resolution LJE-17-26
WHEREAS, the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) supports the restoration of voting rights to all persons charged of a felony crime who have completed their sentence so as to fully reintegrate them as contributing citizens of society;
WHEREAS, NBCSL has urged states to pass legislation restoring voting rights to returning citizens in resolutions LJE-13-19 “SUPPORTING THE RESTORATION OF VOTING RIGHTS,” AND LJE-03-98 “RESTORATION OF VOTING RIGHTS;”
WHEREAS, every individual living and working in our communities, paying taxes and sending their children to public school, should have the ability to voice their opinions in governance;
WHEREAS, we must protect the voting rights for all Americans as it is the fundamental value of
democracy;
WHEREAS, denying voting discourages positive participation, perpetuates racial disparities and
increases the costs and complications of voting;
WHEREAS, restoring the vote strengthens democracy, advances civil rights, ends second class
citizenship and decreases recidivism; and
WHEREAS, restricting voting rights to felons who have completed their sentences continues felon disenfranchisement and hinders rehabilitated citizens from fully participating in society.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) encourages state legislators to pass laws that restore voting rights to all Americans who have served their time and are ready to become full participants of society.
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the Vice President of the United States, Members of the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate, and other Federal and State government officials as appropriate.
- SPONSOR: Senator Bobby, Joe Champion (MN)
- Committee of Jurisdiction: Law, Justice, and Ethics Policy Committee
- Certified by Committee Co-Chair: Representative Reginald Meeks (KY)
- Ratified in Plenary Session: Ratification Date is December 3, 2016
- Ratification is certified by: Senator Catherine Pugh (MD), President