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HB 87

Voter registration; authorize upon completion of sentence.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Daryl Porter

HB 87 automatically restores voting rights to formerly incarcerated individuals upon sentence completion, removing discretionary barriers to reregistration in Mississippi.

Died In Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 87

Legislative bill overview

HB 87 would automatically restore voter registration rights to individuals upon completion of their criminal sentences in Mississippi. Currently, formerly incarcerated individuals must navigate a separate process to regain voting eligibility. This bill streamlines that process by making restoration automatic rather than discretionary.

Why is this important

Approximately 41,600 Mississippians are disenfranchised due to felony convictions, affecting political participation and representation. The bill addresses a practical barrier to civic reintegration after sentence completion—a time when other rights are typically restored. This directly impacts sentencing fairness and democratic participation rates.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition of "completion": Unclear whether this covers only prison time or includes probation/parole periods, affecting eligibility timelines
  • Implementation costs: Automatic restoration requires coordination between corrections, election boards, and court systems with potential administrative burden
  • Public safety concerns: Opponents may argue restored voting rights should require demonstrated rehabilitation or occur later in reentry process
  • Scope of applicability: Bill language doesn't specify whether it applies to all felonies or excludes certain conviction types (election fraud, etc.)

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

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