Felon-voting friendly bill passes Del. Senate

At the start of Tuesday’s session the Delaware Senate passed a bill making it easier for some convicted felons to vote.

If Senate bill 242 goes into law outstanding financial obligations, such as restitution, will be eliminated as a barrier that keeps felons from registering to vote.

Current law states those obligations must be met before registering.

The bill excludes felons convicted of certain crimes, namely murder, manslaughter, sexual offenses or crimes against public administration.

Earlier today we spoke to legislators on both sides who weighed in.

“We want people to vote. We want people to participate in democratic process, we want people to have ownership of their communities. Individual accountability is critical but in part of that you want people to participate,” said Senator Bryan Townsend, (D) – Newark.

Senator Colin Bonini, (R) – Dover South told 47 ABC he’s against the bill, saying “we need to be focused on the victims and the victim’s rights and a big portion of what these fines are for is restitution to the victims, to make the victims whole.”

The bill now goes to the Delaware House.