Maryland: On the Right Path - Finally
According to the Sentinel, a weekly Montgomery County-based newspaper, legislators like Del. Jolene Ivey hope that Maryland's new law lifting the voting ban for formerly incarcerated individuals may boost voter participation in the state. "It's so difficult to get people to vote," she said. "I don't think it's right to bar a few people from voting." On July 1 Maryland law restored the voting rights to 52,000 Maryland citizens with past felony convictions. It also allows them to vote once released from prison. Terry Lierman, chairman of the Maryland Democratic Party, said the bill dispels a history of racism and disenfranchisement. "I say it is time to lift that cloud and create some hope and reason to the process once again," he said.
National: Uninformed, Eligible Voters Simply Can't Vote
As a result of changing laws and misinformation provided - or not provided - by state officials, formerly incarcerated individuals eligible to vote aren't privy to the laws, according to OpEdNews.com. "In some cases, released ex-felons are not routinely informed regarding the steps necessary to regain their right to vote and often believe? incorrectly? that they can never vote again." The article also notes that financial barriers and a lack of political representation may keep individuals from the vote restoration process.
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