Proposition 17 - Restores Right to Vote After Completion of Prison Term. Legislative Constitutional Amendment

Summary

Restores voting rights upon completion of prison term to persons who have been disqualified from voting while serving a prison term. Fiscal Impact: Annual county costs, likely in the hundreds of thousands of dollars statewide, for voter registration and ballot materials. One-time state costs, likely in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, for voter registration cards and systems.

A "YES" vote on Proposition 17 means: People on state parole who are U.S. citizens, residents of California, and at least 18 years of age would be able to vote, if they register to vote.

A "NO" vote on Proposition 17 means: People on state parole would continue to be unable to vote in California.

Arguments

When a person completes their prison sentence, they should be encouraged to reenter society and have a stake in their community... When people feel that they are valued members of their community, they are less likely to return to prison., in support of Proposition 17 (Learn more)

Nearly 50,000 Californians who have completed their prison sentences pay taxes at the local, state, and federal levels. However, they are not able to vote at any level of government., in support of Proposition 17 (Learn more)

If the state does not trust \[parolees] to choose where to live or travel, with whom to associate and what jobs to do, it MUST NOT trust them with decisions that will impact the lives and finances of all other members of society. , in opposition to Proposition 17 (Learn more)

Measure Details