Steve Burns
WMAL.com
WASHINGTON – (WMAL) It took a prolonged legal battle in Virginia last year for former Governor Terry McAuliffe to restore voting rights to convicted felons that have served their time. In the District, most already have that right, but a lot of them don’t know it, according to D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen.
“Most returning citizens already have the right to vote. Our biggest hurdle, actually, is making sure they know their rights, because different states do it different ways. Often times, residents don’t even realize they are able to vote,” Allen told WMAL.
Allen’s committee is looking over a bill today that would mandate Department of Corrections staff give written and verbal notification to returning citizens, letting them know they are able to vote in the District.
“When they’ve done their time, and they’ve returned, we want them to be full members of our community,” he said. “Part of that means getting involved in elections and being able to have your voice heard.”
All 13 members of the Council have signed either to introduce or co-sponsor the legislation.
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