Thousands of Washingtonians saddled with a felony conviction are going to have their voting rights restored due to a recent bill signed by Governor Jay Inslee. The rights automatically will be restored upon a person’s release from incarceration. Under House Bill 1078, roughly 20,000 people will regain their right to vote, according to the state Department of Corrections. Before this enactment of HB 1078, people with felonies didn’t necessarily, or automatically, have their voting rights restored upon leaving prison. They instead could only regain their voting rights after finishing the conditions of their sentence, such as community supervision terms, which can last for months and even years.
HB 1078 passed over some republicans objection that certain individuals should be prohibited from regaining their voting rights. Namely people convicted of violent and sexual offenses. The bill was sponsored by Democratic House Representative Tarra Simmons, who is likely the first formerly incarcerated legislature in the country. Chalk the bill up to being one less stigma for those who pay their dues and serve their time according to the law. We all deserve a second chance, right?
If you or a loved one is facing a criminal charge (whether it be in municipal, district our superior court), don’t hesitate to hire a qualified Seattle Criminal Defense Lawyer. The Seattle Criminal Defense Attorneys that make up the criminal defense team of SQ Attorneys are highly qualified and reputable Seattle criminal attorneys that are dedicated to providing top notch, aggressive representation for those arrested or charged for crime all across Western Washington and the Greater Puget Sound region. The team creates success by working with law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney’s office to ensure that all facts and circumstances related to the allegations are considered in creating the fairest, most equitable and just resolution possible in light of all the surrounding circumstances of the given case. So, whether you are cited with an infraction or arrested and/or charged with misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor or a felony, protect yourself … call SQ Attorneys at (206) 441-0900.
