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Bill

H 874

An Act relative to voting rights restoration

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jamie Eldridge and 3 co-sponsors

H 874 restores voting rights to Massachusetts felons on probation or parole, expanding franchise access for formerly incarcerated citizens during community reintegration.

Accompanied a study order, see H5311 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 874

Legislative bill overview

H 874 would restore voting rights to individuals with felony convictions who are no longer incarcerated, allowing them to vote while on probation or parole. The bill aims to expand franchise access for formerly incarcerated citizens in Massachusetts, aligning with broader criminal justice reform efforts.

Why is this important

An estimated 40,000+ Massachusetts residents with felony records are currently ineligible to vote. Voting rights restoration affects civic participation, community reintegration outcomes, and demographic representation in elections. This directly impacts criminal justice policy and electoral representation in the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of restoration: Disagreement over whether voting rights should be restored immediately upon release, during probation/parole, or only after sentence completion
  • Public safety concerns: Some may argue voting rights should remain restricted for certain serious offenses or during active supervision periods
  • Implementation logistics: Questions about voter registration procedures, notification systems, and how election officials verify eligibility status for individuals on probation/parole

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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