The Inclusive Democracy Act of 2023 would restore voting rights in federal elections to people with criminal convictions, regardless of whether they are incarcerated, on probation, or parole. Currently, many states restrict voting rights based on criminal records, but this bill would guarantee that a criminal conviction does not affect a person's eligibility to vote in elections for President, Vice President, Congress, or other federal offices. The legislation applies retroactively to all past convictions and requires states and the federal government to notify people of their voting rights at the time of conviction and upon release. The bill establishes detailed procedures for voter registration and absentee voting for incarcerated individuals, including requirements that prisons provide registration forms, transmit applications within 10 days, offer free internet access for election research, and ensure ballots are mailed with prepaid postage. States must accept late registration and ballot submissions if they are postmarked before election day, and incarcerated voters must receive notice and a 10-day opportunity to fix signature or other ballot defects. The bill would take effect for the 2024 federal elections and includes enforcement mechanisms allowing the Attorney General and private citizens to sue for violations, with expedited lawsuits permitted for registration or ballot access denials occurring close to election day.
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