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Bill

S 3791

Clarifies that individuals have the ability to vote by absentee ballot if they are not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Zellnor Myrie

Bill S 3791 ensures individuals not incarcerated for felonies can vote by absentee ballot, promoting greater electoral participation and clarifying voting rights.

PRINT NUMBER 3791A
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 3791

Summary of Bill S 3791

Bill Number: S 3791
Title: Clarifies that individuals have the ability to vote by absentee ballot if they are not currently incarcerated for a felony conviction
Status: PRINT NUMBER 3791A
Introduced: January 30, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 3791 aims to clarify voting rights for individuals who are not currently incarcerated due to a felony conviction. The primary intent of this legislation is to ensure that eligible voters can exercise their right to vote by absentee ballot, thereby promoting greater participation in the electoral process.

Key Provisions

  • Voting Rights Clarification: The bill explicitly states that individuals who are not incarcerated for a felony conviction retain the right to vote by absentee ballot.
  • Absentee Voting Accessibility: It seeks to enhance the accessibility of absentee voting for eligible individuals, ensuring that they can participate in elections regardless of their physical location, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria.

Affected Parties

  • Eligible Voters: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are individuals who have been convicted of a felony but are not currently serving time in prison. This includes those who may be on parole or probation.
  • Election Officials: The bill may require adjustments in how election officials manage absentee ballots and verify voter eligibility, particularly concerning felony convictions.

Legislative Actions and Timeline

  • January 30, 2025: Bill S 3791 was introduced and referred to the Education Committee.
  • November 5, 2025: The bill was amended and recommitted to the Education Committee, with the updated print number 3791A issued.

Related Bills

This bill is part of a broader legislative context, with several related bills from prior sessions that address voting rights and absentee voting, including:
- S 1011
- S 1368
- S 376
- S 4737
- S 8617
- S 7529
- S 265
- S 3047
- A 4423 (companion bill)

Conclusion

Bill S 3791 represents a significant step towards ensuring that individuals who are not incarcerated for felony convictions can participate in the democratic process through absentee voting. By clarifying these rights, the bill aims to enhance voter participation and uphold the principles of democracy. The ongoing legislative process will determine the final provisions and implementation of this bill.

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

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