California Prisoners Could See Voting Rights Restored

People who are incarcerated in California could be granted voting rights if a new constitutional amendment brought to the state Assembly passes.

Assemblymember Isaac Bryan (D-Los Angeles) introduced the amendment Monday, which would impact all Californians serving time for felony convictions.

If state legislators approve the measure, voters will get to have their say on the new law. If passed, California would join Vermont, Maine and the District of Columbia in allowing all residents full voting rights.

If the amendment receives two-thirds support from the state Assembly and Senate, it will advance to the ballot as a statewide measure.

In 2020, nearly 59% of voters approved Proposition 17, a constitutional amendment introduced by Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) that granted state parolees the right to vote.

Currently, the state restores voting rights to people once they are released from prison.