Policy Background
In Texas, a person with a felony is only permitted to vote after completing their entire sentence, including the full term of felony probation or parole. On the other hand, 17 states – including conservative states such as Montana, Ohio, and Utah – allow people to vote once they have completed their term of incarceration.
People on probation or parole work and pay taxes, supporting their communities, but they do not have a say in who represents them and are unable to hold their own elected officials accountable. Similarly, they do not have the ability to advocate for improvements in their own neighborhoods, including factors that may help prevent others from entering the justice system.
Proposed Solution
Extend voting rights to people with felony convictions who are currently on probation or parole.
Relevant Bills
- Bill Number: HB 161 [Senfronia Thompson]
Bill Caption: Relating to qualifications and registration of certain voters convicted of a felony.
- Bill Number: HB 595 [Sherman, Sr.]
Bill Caption: Relating to qualifications and registration of certain voters convicted of a felony.
- Bill Number: SB 187 [Eckhardt]
Bill Caption: Relating to qualifications and registration of certain voters convicted of a felony.
- Bill Number: HB 1933 [Dutton]
Bill Caption: Relating to qualifications and registration of certain voters on parole or mandatory supervision.