Disenfranchising crimes; clarify those that qualify as.
Impact
If passed, HB57 would allow individuals who have been disenfranchised based on interpretations made by the Attorney General regarding non-specified crimes to regain their voting rights. This is expected to positively impact many who have previously lost their right to vote due to broader interpretations of disenfranchising crimes. Furthermore, the bill mandates that convicted individuals must be accurately recorded in the Statewide Elections Management System, ensuring proper tracking and management of voter eligibility.
Summary
House Bill 57 aims to amend Section 23-15-19 of the Mississippi Code to explicitly define which crimes are considered disenfranchising, limiting it to only those crimes listed in Section 241 of the Mississippi Constitution of 1890. The bill seeks to remove the power of the Attorney General to interpret other crimes as disenfranchising through opinions or other means. This change is a significant move towards clarifying voting rights for individuals with criminal convictions, as it aims to prevent any arbitrary disenfranchisement based on non-specified crimes.
Contention
While the bill is positioned as a means to protect voting rights, there may be contention surrounding the interpretation and scope of disenfranchising crimes. Supporters argue that it is a necessary clarification to protect rights and prevent overreach by authoritative powers. Critics may express concerns that it does not adequately address the underlying issues of criminal justice reform or that it might inadvertently constrain the ability to address certain types of voter fraud or misconduct within the electoral system.