Elections: voter registration.
The implementation of AB 787 represents a significant change in how voter registration is facilitated for incarcerated individuals and those recently released from jail. By requiring jails to allow voter registration activities, the bill aims to increase the accessibility of voting for people with felony convictions who may be at risk of disenfranchisement. Furthermore, it increases the responsibilities of both county sheriffs and elections officials by mandating them to publish admission procedures and keep updated lists of approved organizations providing registration services.
Assembly Bill 787, introduced by Assembly Member Gipson, amends and adds provisions to the Elections Code relating to voter registration within county jails. The bill mandates that counties or cities operating jail facilities allow organizations to conduct in-person voter registration activities, including the provision of vote-by-mail applications, directly within each jail facility. It also establishes a framework for how these organizations can be admitted to the facilities, requiring jails to develop policies governing the admittance of individuals representing these organizations, ensuring they cannot be denied entry without a reasonable basis related to jail security.
There may be points of contention related to the bill's impact on security within jail facilities and the effectiveness of such registration efforts. Critics could argue the potential for increased security risks due to more people entering jails for voter registration purposes. Supporters, however, emphasize the importance of restoring voting rights to formerly incarcerated individuals as a means to promote rehabilitation and reintegration into society. The requirement for notification regarding restored voting rights also introduces new bureaucratic processes for counties and cities, which may lead to discussions about the adequacy of resources to manage these responsibilities.