California Bill Would Restore Voting Rights For Some Felons
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - A bill restoring the voting rights of convicted felons serving time in county jails is headed to California Gov. Jerry Brown.
Democrats in the Senate approved the measure in a 23-13 party-line vote Tuesday.
AB2466 stems from California's criminal justice realignment, which led to some people convicted of low-level felonies serving time in county jails.
Supporters say civic participation can be a critical component of reducing recidivism when people return to the community.
Republicans say convicted felons who are serving their sentence should not be allowed to cast ballots.
The bill by Democratic Assemblywoman Shirley Weber of San Diego would restore voting eligibility for felons in county jails, on probation or under community supervision. It would not apply to those in state or federal prisons.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.