California gives the right to vote to former felons

California will expand voting rights to nearly 50,000 parolees following a large victory for Proposition 17.

The ballot measure, which would restore the right to vote for people who have completed their prison sentence, was called by the Associated Press as votes showed it ahead 59% to 41%.

Another voting rights measure, Proposition 18, which would give 17-year-olds the ability to vote in primary elections, trailed 54% to 45%, but a final call had not been made by mid-day Wednesday. The measure sought to let 17-year-olds vote in primary elections, as long as they were 18 by the time of the general election. Proponents said it would encourage young people to take an active role in the electoral process.

The state Constitution allows those in county jail to vote, but prevents people in state prison or on state parole from casting their ballots. With Proposition 17, the Legislature is asking voters to allow those state parolees to vote after completing their prison terms.

The measure received widespread support from criminal justice advocates across the state, including endorsements from celebrities like John Legend and Snoop Dogg.

“This is a victory for democracy and justice,” said Taina Vargas-Edmond, executive chair of the Yes On Prop 17 campaign. “For far too long, Black and brown Californians have been excluded from our democracy. Today, California voters definitively righted a historic wrong.”

California Sen. Jim Nielsen, R-Tehama, an opponent of the measure, said in June that such an amendment would be a “criminal injustice.” Supporters say the measure would encourage parolees to reenter society and take an active role in their community.

California seeks to join 19 other states and Washington D.C. that already restore voting rights upon release from prison, or never eliminate them in the first place. The legislation was introduced by Assemblyman Kevin McCarty, D-Sacramento, who said on Tuesday the measure’s passing is “such a good step for democracy and public safety.”

“Californians voted to restore dignity, hope and a voice to communities like mine,” said Veronica Hernandez, a San Francisco resident who will be able to vote under the proposition. “I’ve worked with at-risk youth in my neighborhood to help show them that they do matter and that there is hope for the future. Millions of California voters reinforced that message and showed countless Californians that their voice does count in their democracy.”

This story was originally published November 3, 2020 at 8:46 PM with the headline "California gives the right to vote to former felons."