On February 8th, Representative Charles Rangel introduced the Ex-Offenders Voting Rights Act of 2005. This act requires that all states allow former felons to vote so long as they have completed their incarceration, parole, and probation. Currently, eight states require an order or pardon from the governor in order to regain voting rights after the full completion of a sentence. According to estimates based on current incarceration rates, 3 in 10 African American males in the next generation will be disenfranchised at some point in their lifetime. Passing this bill will be a useful step towards ensuring equal voting rights for all Americans.
Read H.R. 663

There are currently 10 cosponsors. To support this piece of legislation please contact your Congressperson.  

October 19th 2009
Mandatory Voting? Automatic Registration? How Un-American!
Huffington Post

President of Air America Media, Mark Green, explains why Instant Runoff Voting, Automatic Registration and Mandatory Voting are not only important but could lead to a more democratic society.

September 30th 2009
Can a 17-year-old register to vote? It depends
Ventura County Star

"Most Californians register to vote not because a political cause has touched their heart, but rather because they checked a box on a form at the Department of Motor Vehicles when they received or renewed their driver�s license."

September 27th 2009
Giving teens a civic voice
The Fayetteville Observer

In January, North Carolina will become the third state to implement FairVote-endorsed youth preregistration.

September 8th 2009
Give voters final say on vacancies
Politico

The two legislators proposing a constitutional amendment mandating elections to fill Senate vacancies make their case in the pages of Politico.