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Bill

SB 2213

Suffrage; restore to any person disqualified by reason of criminal conviction upon completion of sentence.

2025 Regular Session

SB 2213 automatically restores voting rights to Mississippians upon completing criminal sentences rather than requiring gubernatorial pardons, affecting thousands of disenfranchised citizens.

Died In Committee
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Bill Summary · SB 2213

Legislative bill overview

SB 2213 would automatically restore voting rights to individuals who have completed their criminal sentences in Mississippi. Currently, Mississippi permanently disenfranchises people with felony convictions unless they receive a gubernatorial pardon. This bill would make voting rights restoration automatic upon sentence completion rather than discretionary.

Why is this important

Voting rights restoration affects tens of thousands of Mississippians and raises questions about criminal justice policy, democratic participation, and second chances. Mississippi has one of the highest rates of felony disenfranchisement in the country, with approximately 8% of the voting-age population unable to vote due to criminal convictions. This directly influences both electoral outcomes and formerly incarcerated individuals' reintegration into society.

Potential points of contention

  • Public safety concerns: Opponents may argue that permanent disenfranchisement serves as additional punishment and deterrent, while supporters contend that rehabilitation and civic reintegration reduce recidivism
  • Definition of "completion": Ambiguity over what counts as sentence completion (incarceration only, or including probation/parole) could create implementation disputes
  • Electoral impact: The measure could shift voting patterns, which may explain political opposition or support depending on partisan calculations about affected demographics

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

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