More people with felony records can vote now in Washington
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Election officials are trying to let people know that even if you have a felony conviction on your record, you're eligible to vote in Washington state.
Why it matters: Under a state law that took effect in 2022, even those on parole or probation can cast ballots in the Nov. 5 election.
Catch up quick: The law made it so a person's voting rights are automatically restored as soon as they leave prison, though they still must re-register to vote.
- Previously, people with felony convictions could only vote after their parole or probation ended.
What they're saying: "Because it's so new, a lot of folks probably don't even know," Charlie Boisner, spokesperson for the Washington secretary of state's office, told Axios.
- He said his office recently created an outreach team focused on telling formerly incarcerated people how "they can participate in democracy."
- King County election officials, meanwhile, have been distributing posters and handouts to let people know about the change in law, county elections spokesperson Halei Watkins told Axios.
- They also added explanatory language in the county voters pamphlet.
Zoom out: 22 other states have similar laws restoring people's right to vote as soon as they leave prison, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
- In 15 states, people convicted of felonies have to wait until their entire sentence is completed — including parole or probation — before they can vote again.
- Another 10 states set up additional barriers, such as requiring a governor's pardon, or barring people with certain felony convictions from voting indefinitely.
- In Maine, Vermont and Washington, D.C., incarcerated people never lose the right to vote.
How it works: Washington state has same-day voter registration. That means you can register or update your registration in person as late as Election Day and still cast a ballot.
- You can do so at a county elections office or vote center.
