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SB 579 expands voting rights to citizens incarcerated for felony crimes. It would allow felons to register to vote, update their voter registration, and vote while in custody. If passed, the bill has the potential to enfranchise about 12,000 people, and it would make Oregon one of three states, joining Vermont and Maine, that allows incarcerated citizens to vote. SB 579 is currently in the Senate Judiciary Committee awaiting a work session.
This bill concerns me for many reasons. At the heart of this issue, there is a dilemma: That is, is it fair to allow those who are found guilty of breaking laws, of harming their fellow citizens and the public good, an equal voice in deciding the rules and laws for everyone else, when they themselves have abdicated their own civic responsibilities? It’s common for felons to lose some rights while incarcerated. Restoring their right to vote gives no reprieve to their victims and is uncaring to their struggles and plights. Another concerning part of this bill is its potential to impede accountability and disincentivize character rehabilitation while citizens are incarcerated. Restoration of the right to vote after leaving custody can be a way to incentivize felons to turn over a new leaf and rejoin community life as good and responsible citizens. We risk losing that incentive if SB 579 passes.
This bill is a bad idea, and that’s why it’s so important for you to reach out the members of the Senate to voice your opposition and help stop this bill in its tracks. To stay updated on this bill, click here to sign-up for email updates from Capitol e-Subscribe. Enter your email address and then scroll down and check the box next to Senate Bill 579.
Below is a list of each Senate member. Contact them, give them a call or send an email, and tell them to say no to Senate Bill 579.
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