Makes it easier to vote for people eligible to vote who are incarcerated at the Rhode Island adult correctional institute and creates the position of "voting coordinator," within the department of corrections.
Impact
The legislation amends existing laws by emphasizing the restoration of voting rights for individuals who lose them due to incarceration. Specifically, it stipulates that voting rights are restored immediately upon discharge from incarceration for felony convictions. Additionally, the bill places a responsibility on the department of corrections to act as a voter registration agency, thus enabling a smoother transition back to voting for those who have served their sentences.
Summary
House Bill H5874 aims to enhance voting access for individuals who are incarcerated at the Rhode Island adult correctional institution but are eligible to vote. The bill proposes several measures, including the creation of a designated position known as the 'voting coordinator' within the department of corrections. This coordinator will facilitate the voting process, ensuring that incarcerated individuals are informed of their voting rights and can access the necessary resources to vote, such as mail ballots.
Contention
Notable points of contention around H5874 may center on the implications of providing voting access to incarcerated individuals. While proponents argue that ensuring the right to vote for these citizens is a matter of fairness and promotes reintegration into society, opponents may raise concerns about the potential for misuse of the voting system by individuals who are currently incarcerated. This dialogue highlights broader discussions on criminal justice reform and the rights of individuals in the penal system.
Establishes the Ranked Choice Voting for Rhode Island Presidential Primaries and provides for new sections on Ranked Choice Voting Tabulation and Results Reporting.
Redefines "Political Party" and defines and distinguishes between "major parties" and "minor parties" based on the total number of votes a party's candidate received in the previous election.
Requires that Medicaid enrollment be maintained or provided to all inmates in the first 30 days of incarceration at the adult correctional institutions within the department of corrections and the last 30 days of incarceration.
Requires that Medicaid enrollment be maintained or provided to all inmates in the first 30 days of incarceration at the adult correctional institutions within the department of corrections and the last 30 days of incarceration when possible.
Establishes election day as a day of special observation in the State of Rhode Island. The act would also restrict the use of mail ballots in elections.
Authorizes early voting for the fourteen (14) calendar days immediately preceding election day, while requiring, as is practicable, that all the election day protections and procedures be afforded to early voters.