West Backed Plan Would Inform Individuals Re-entering Society of Voting Rights

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Individuals about to be released from prison would be informed of their voting rights in Illinois under a proposal backed by state Rep. Maurice West II, D-Rockford.

“Unfortunately many residents who have served their time do not understand that their voting rights are restored upon being released in Illinois,” West said. “Voting is a critically important civic right, and we should make sure that misconceptions about who can and cannot vote are avoided.”

West cosponsored House Bill 3653 which requires the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) to provide committed individuals information about their voting rights 45 days prior to discharge. Specifically, the IDOC must note that the Illinois Constitution allows for the right to vote to be restored at the completion of a person’s sentence, as well as provide information on how to register to vote. House Bill 3653 passed the House with bipartisan support and is now under consideration in the Senate.

“We should encourage residents who are re-entering to become actively engaged in our democratic process,” West said. “A person’s voice should not be disregarded after they have served their debt to society.”