Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 25, 2021

CONTACT: press@secure-democracy.org

Connecticut Senate Advances S.B. 5, Historic Bill Restoring Voting Eligibility

66% of Connecticut voters support restoring voting eligibility to individuals with past felony convictions who have completed their prison sentences

Hartford, Conn— The Connecticut Senate this evening passed S.B. 5, a bill that would create a pathway to the polls for the more than 4,000 citizens in Connecticut who have served their time in prison but are currently unable to vote.

The bill, which is widely supported by Connecticut voters, passed with a vote of 25 to 10 and now heads to the Connecticut House. If passed, the legislation will restore voting eligibility to any person with a felony conviction as soon as they are no longer incarcerated and have returned to the community, regardless of their parole status or fines and fees they may owe.

“Restoring voting eligibility to Connecticut residents with past felony convictions has bipartisan support from Connecticut voters and will help keep communities safe,” said Sarah Walker, executive director of Secure Democracy. “Connecticut residents with past felony convictions are taking responsibility for their lives — raising families, working, paying taxes and participating in Connecticut communities. State lawmakers should give these vital Connecticut citizens a greater stake in our democracy by continuing to advance S.B. 5.”

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND

A bipartisan majority of Connecticut voters support restoring voting rights to citizens on parole.

According to a survey conducted in January of 2021, 66% of Connecticut voters agree Connecticut should restore voting eligibility to individuals with past felony convictions who have completed their prison sentences and are living in the community under parole supervision. Seventy-five percent feel that the state should be more focused on transitioning these people back into society.

There is a bipartisan, nationwide movement to restore voting eligibility for people with past convictions.

In the past few years, Nevada, Colorado, California, New York and Washington state have restored voting eligibility for people with felony convictions upon their release from prison. Once the new laws passed this year take effect, 22 states — including every other state in the Northeast — will allow people on community supervision to vote.

Ensuring people with past convictions can participate in our democracy in a meaningful way is a foundational part of the rehabilitative process.

Research suggests that allowing formerly incarcerated individuals to vote can reduce recidivism. A study by the Florida Parole Commission found that people with felony convictions whose eligibility was restored were three times less likely to commit new crimes. As a result, more and more law enforcement, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the American Probation and Parole Association, support voting restoration.

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About Secure Democracy

Secure Democracy is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works to improve election integrity across the United States. We educate policymakers and the public about what it takes to safeguard our voting systems. We collaborate with state leaders, election administrators, election integrity experts, and allies to ensure that all eligible citizens have the freedom to vote how they choose.