AN ACT TO PROVIDE THAT THE GOVERNOR MAY RESTORE THE RIGHT OF SUFFRAGE TO CERTAIN PERSONS DISQUALIFIED BY REASON OF CONVICTION OF A DISENFRANCHISING CRIME; TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON SHALL BE ENFRANCHISED AFTER COMPLETING ANY SENTENCE AND PAYING ANY FINES IMPOSED BY THE SENTENCING COURT FOR SUCH CRIME; TO REQUIRE THE MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS OR THE SENTENCING COURT, WHICHEVER IS APPROPRIATE, TO ISSUE A WRITTEN REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR ON PERSONS WHO MEET THE REQUISITE CONDITIONS FOR RESTORATION OF SUFFRAGE RIGHTS; TO AMEND SECTION 23-15-11, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CONFORM; TO AMEND SECTION 23-15-19, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT A PERSON WHO PRESENTS AN EXECUTIVE ORDER RESTORING THE RIGHT OF SUFFRAGE SHALL NOT BE DENIED THE RIGHT TO REGISTER TO VOTE BASED ON A CONVICTION OF A DISENFRANCHISING CRIME; TO AMEND SECTION 23-15-151, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT THE CIRCUIT CLERK SHALL KEEP A FILE OF CERTIFIED COPIES OF EXECUTIVE ORDERS RESTORING SUFFRAGE RIGHTS; TO AMEND SECTIONS 23-15-125 AND 23-15-153, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT THE VOTER ROLL AND POLLBOOKS MUST BE UPDATED IN A MANNER CONSISTENT WITH THIS ACT; TO AMEND SECTIONS 23-15-39 AND 23-15-47, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT THE SECRETARY OF STATE WILL ADOPT VOTER REGISTRATION APPLICATIONS WHICH STATE THAT A PERSON RESTORED THE RIGHT OF SUFFRAGE BY EXECUTIVE ORDER IS NOT DISQUALIFIED FROM REGISTERING TO VOTE; TO AMEND SECTION 23-15-165, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO PROVIDE THAT THE SECRETARY OF STATE WILL UPDATE THE STATEWIDE ELECTIONS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM IN A MANNER THAT WILL ALLOW LOCAL ELECTION OFFICIALS TO VERIFY WHETHER A PERSON HAS BEEN ISSUED AN EXECUTIVE ORDER RESTORING SUFFRAGE RIGHTS; TO AMEND SECTIONS 47-7-31, 47-7-41 AND 47-5-157, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REQUIRE THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS TO INVESTIGATE AND ISSUE REGULAR WRITTEN REPORTS TO THE GOVERNOR ON THOSE PERSONS WHO SHOULD BE CONSIDERED FOR EXECUTIVE PARDON; TO CREATE A SECTION OF LAW TO PROVIDE THAT ANY PERSON GRANTED AN EXECUTIVE PARDON SHALL BE ENTITLED TO HAVE HIS OR HER RECORD EXPUNGED; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
Impact
The implementation of SB2325 will revise existing laws to simplify the process by which individuals regain their voting rights post-conviction. As a result, it mandates the relevant state bodies to provide timely reports to the Governor regarding eligible individuals, thereby establishing a systematic approach to enfranchisement. This change not only aims to enhance civic engagement among formerly disenfranchised groups but also aligns Mississippi's laws with broader national discussions surrounding voting rights restoration.
Summary
Senate Bill 2325 aims to provide mechanisms for restoring voting rights to individuals disqualified due to convictions of disenfranchising crimes in Mississippi. The bill empowers the Governor to restore the right of suffrage to those who have completed their sentences, including parole, probation, and post-release supervision, and have paid any court-imposed fines. The bill ensures that eligible individuals have their voting rights restored through a clear process involving the issuance of an executive order from the Governor after a review by appropriate authorities, such as the Mississippi Department of Corrections.
Contention
One point of contention surrounding SB2325 revolves around the perceived sufficiency of the safeguards in place to prevent potential abuses of the system. Critics argue that while the bill does establish clearer pathways for restoring suffrage, there may still be barriers or bureaucratic hurdles that could hinder access for some individuals. Furthermore, ongoing debates regarding disenfranchising crimes and their classifications within the Mississippi Constitution could also influence the interpretation and implementation of the bill in practice.