Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 12, 2023

CONTACT: press@securedemocracyusa.org

Bipartisan Elections Victory Within Reach in MO Bills to Restore Vote to Those with Past Convictions

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.  – On Tuesday, the House General Laws Committee approved H.B. 248, a bill to automatically restore voting eligibility to those with past felony convictions upon their release from incarceration. After its companion bill, S.B. 376, received unanimous committee approval just last month, both bills now await floor votes.

Restoring voting rights to formerly incarcerated Missourians has been a key policy priority for Americans for Prosperity-Missouri and Secure Democracy USA this session. Both organizations wrote a joint op-ed in support of the proposal for the Springfield News-Leader in March. The groups issued the following statements regarding yesterday’s vote:

Statement from Americans for Prosperity Missouri State Director Jeremy Cady:

"Missouri lawmakers have the opportunity to guarantee the freedom to vote for 40,000 Missourians who currently have none. Those Missourians live, work, and pay taxes in their communities – they deserve to have a voice in them, too.

"Restoring voting eligibility for Missourians with past convictions upon their release from incarceration is an important step in the rehabilitative process for those who've served their time and are now returning to society. Add in the fact that such a move is proven to decrease recidivism and strengthen election administration, and you have a win-win-win that more than 58 percent of Missourians support."

Statement from Secure Democracy USA Director of Advocacy Diego Echeverri:

"Twenty-four states, including Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Utah, guarantee the freedom to vote for those convicted of a felony immediately upon their release from prison. When their debt to society is paid, their right to participate in it returns — isn't that how our system of justice is supposed to work?

"H.B. 248 and S.B. 376 are the right bills at the right time. We applaud Rep. Melanie Stinnett (R-Springfield) and Sen. Curtis Trent (R-Springfield) for their work to strengthen Missouri elections. We strongly urge their colleagues in the House and Senate to send these bills to Gov. Parson without delay, and secure a bipartisan elections victory that all of Missouri can be proud of.”

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