“While other states are restricting the right to vote, I’m glad that in Washington, we are expanding access to democracy,” Inslee stated earlier than signing the bill.
Republican lawmakers have launched 361 restrictive payments in a special set of 47 states. Texas, Arizona and Georgia — states which can be aggressive in presidential elections, however the place Republicans have full management of statehouses — have seen the most important numbers of restrictive payments launched, based on the Brennan Center.
The Washington state Legislature authorised the measure regardless of Republicans’ objections to restoring the voting rights of those that are on parole or probation.
Wednesday’s bill was sponsored by state Rep. Tarra Simmons, who has a previous conviction herself.
“Regaining the right to vote, after having lost so many things, meant more to me than most people could imagine,” she stated in an announcement after the bill was signed.
“This might seem a small thing to some people, but it’s a giant step for civil rights and it’s one that will give others what it gave me: a belief that I mattered, that I was once again a member of society, and that my freedom was worth preserving at all costs.”
“This is a good day for democracy in Washington state,” the governor stated.
NCS’s Eric Bradner and Fredreka Schouten contributed to this report.
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