Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB1677

Introduced
5/18/23  

Caption

Democracy Restoration Act of 2023

Impact

The proposed legislation would override state-level regulations concerning voting rights restoration. Currently, laws governing the restoration process vary significantly; for instance, some states allow individuals to regain their voting rights with relative ease, while others may impose lifetime disenfranchisement for certain offenses. SB1677 addresses these discrepancies, seeking to eliminate practices such as requiring payment of fines before voting rights can be restored. By standardizing these laws at the federal level, it aims to improve electoral participation and reduce barriers that disenfranchise millions of citizens.

Summary

SB1677, also known as the Democracy Restoration Act of 2023, aims to secure the federal voting rights of individuals released from incarceration. The bill presents that voting rights should not be denied for those with prior felony convictions unless they are presently incarcerated. It seeks to address the disparate state laws that govern the restoration of voting rights, highlighting the variations across different jurisdictions and their disproportionate effects on racial and ethnic minorities. The intent is to create a uniform standard for reinstating voting rights nationwide, ensuring that all individuals have equal access to participate in federal elections.

Contention

While supporters of SB1677 argue that regaining the right to vote is crucial for successful reintegration of individuals into society, opponents may express concerns about the potential implications of automatically reinstating voting rights for those with serious convictions. The bill underscores ongoing societal debates about justice, rehabilitation, and the intersection of crime and civic engagement. There is apprehension among some legislators about blending criminal justice reform with federal election laws, raising questions about accountability and the societal impact of allowing individuals with felony records to participate in the democratic process.

Companion Bills

US HB4987

Same As Democracy Restoration Act of 2023

US HB11

Related Freedom to Vote Act This bill addresses voter registration and voting access, election integrity and security, redistricting, and campaign finance. Specifically, the bill expands voter registration (e.g., automatic and same-day registration) and voting access (e.g., vote-by-mail and early voting). It also limits removing voters from voter rolls. Next, the bill establishes Election Day as a federal holiday. The bill declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence. The bill establishes certain federal criminal offenses related to voting. In particular, the bill establishes a new criminal offense for conduct (or attempted conduct) to corruptly hinder, interfere with, or prevent another person from registering to vote or helping someone register to vote. Additionally, the bill sets forth provisions related to election security, including by requiring states to conduct post-election audits for federal elections. The bill outlines criteria for congressional redistricting and generally prohibits mid-decade redistricting. The bill addresses campaign finance, including by expanding the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals, requiring additional disclosure of campaign-related fundraising and spending, requiring additional disclaimers regarding certain political advertising, and establishing an alternative campaign funding system for certain federal offices.

US SB2344

Related Freedom to Vote Act Voters’ Access to Water Act Right to Vote Act Automatic Voter Registration Act of 2023 Help America Run Act Government By the People Act of 2023 Restoring Integrity to America’s Elections Act Stop Super PAC–Candidate Coordination Act Spotlight Act Honest Ads Act DISCLOSE Act of 2023 Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections Act of 2023 Voter Confidence and Increased Accessibility Act of 2023 Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act of 2023 Democracy Restoration Act of 2023 Voter Registration Modernization Act of 2023 Voter Empowerment Act of 2023

US SB1

Related Freedom to Vote Act This bill addresses voter registration and voting access, election integrity and security, redistricting, and campaign finance. Specifically, the bill expands voter registration (e.g., automatic and same-day registration) and voting access (e.g., vote-by-mail and early voting). It also limits removing voters from voter rolls. Next, the bill establishes Election Day as a federal holiday. The bill declares that the right of a U.S. citizen to vote in any election for federal office shall not be denied or abridged because that individual has been convicted of a criminal offense unless, at the time of the election, such individual is serving a felony sentence. The bill establishes certain federal criminal offenses related to voting. In particular, the bill establishes a new criminal offense for conduct (or attempted conduct) to corruptly hinder, interfere with, or prevent another person from registering to vote or helping someone register to vote. Additionally, the bill sets forth provisions related to election security, including by requiring states to conduct post-election audits for federal elections. The bill outlines criteria for congressional redistricting and generally prohibits mid-decade redistricting. The bill addresses campaign finance, including by expanding the prohibition on campaign spending by foreign nationals, requiring additional disclosure of campaign-related fundraising and spending, requiring additional disclaimers regarding certain political advertising, and establishing an alternative campaign funding system for certain federal offices.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.