Multiple states allow felons to vote once they are released from prison, but not Missouri. A bill introduced by a state House of Representatives Democrat could change that — and it has bipartisan support.
House Democrats and the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus outlined their plans to reform Missouri’s criminal justice system Monday, with some Republican backing. In particular, the representatives have Republican support on three bills that focus on parolee voting rights, expungement of some marijuana possession convictions and protecting the rights of children to have legal counsel.
House Bill 508, sponsored by Bruce Franks Jr., D-St. Louis, restores the voting rights of people currently on probation or parole.
Franks said that if people on parole or probation have other rights and responsibilities, they should be able to vote in elections.
“They can pay taxes, they can become upstanding citizens, but they can’t vote on school boards where their kids go, they can’t vote on tax increases, and they can’t vote on their leadership,” Franks said. “So, I’m glad this particular bill has wide-range support across both aisles, and hopefully we can get it across the finish line.”
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