WA House Approves Broader Felon Voting Rights
OLYMPIA, WA — Felons would be able to vote before paying off their court fines under a bill approved by the Washington state House.
Under current law, convicted felons can’t vote in Washington until they’ve served their sentence, and paid off all restitution and other legal fees.
The bill approved by the House on a 53-43 vote Tuesday night would change that. Under the bill, felons would get back their voting rights once they’re out of state custody. That includes parole or probation.
Supporters of the bill say it’s time to get rid of a de facto “poll tax.” But opponents say the bill makes things too easy on felons. It now heads to the state Senate for consideration.
