Rep. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts and Sen. Peter Welch of Vermont submitted the legislation, named the Inclusive Democracy Act, on Tuesday which would guarantee the right to vote in federal elections for all citizens regardless of their criminal record.

In a statement, Pressley said the legislation was necessary due to policies and court rulings that “continue to disenfranchise voters from all walks of life — including by gutting the Voting Rights Act, gerrymandering, cuts to early voting, and more.” Welch called the bill necessary due to “antiquated state felony disenfranchisement laws.”

In late 2022, approximately 4.6 million people were unable to vote due to a felony conviction, according to a study by the Sentencing Project, a nonpartisan research group. The same study found that Black and Hispanic citizens are disproportionately likely to be disenfranchised due to felony

    • Cowbee
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      11 months ago

      What part? The idea that citizens should be able to be represented, regardless of their circumstances, or that they can’t already do so?

      • Compactor9679
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        11 months ago

        The idea that citizens that have lost their rights want to chose who “represent” them. As soon as you lose your rights you lose that

        • Cowbee
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          11 months ago

          Rights shouldn’t be able to be taken away.

          • Compactor9679
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            11 months ago

            So no need for backround check on buying guns? (Just one simple example)

            • Cowbee
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              11 months ago

              Not a simple example. Voting is representing yourself. Gun ownership is a privilege, not a right. The “right to bear arms” isn’t a right.

              • Compactor9679
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                11 months ago

                The “right” to bear arms is not a right… Okay sure hehehheheh. Im glad prisoners cant vote :)

                • Cowbee
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                  11 months ago

                  Glad you’re anti-democratic and draconian.