Tuesday, October 19, 2010

The Washington Post reports today that a study of felony disenfranchisement laws has found that 800,000 former felons have returned to the voter rolls in the past decade thanks to a push by criminal justice advocates and civil rights groups — including Democracy North Carolina — to rewrite state laws and eliminate various voting barriers aimed at felons. In NC, ex-felons can re-register to vote once they have completed their sentences, including probation and any parole.  In NC, ex-felons can re-register to vote once they have completed their sentences, including probation and any parole.  Read the full article here. Unfortunately, the report incorrectly says a former felon in North Carolina “can register to vote after filing a certificate demonstrating unconditional discharge and the restoration of voting rights with the county of conviction or residence.” The truth is this: Voting rights in North Carolina are automatically restored upon completion of the sentence, no special document is needed, and the individual can register like any other citizen.